RMT & TSSA Merger

Circular No: MF/13/13
Our Ref: 0/5/1

31st January 2013


To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS


Dear colleague

RMT & TSSA Merger

Arising from Council of Executives’ Decision No. CE503, 29th August 2012, I wrote to the TSSA and advised that the Union would only be interested in a Federation, subject to our Council of Executives agreeing the terms of reference, if its ultimate aim and objective is to have a merger between TSSA and RMT. A copy of this letter was enclosed with Circular No. MF/83/12.

The attached response was received from the TSSA and was placed before the Council of Executives on 12th October 2012. The matter was referred to the Organisation, Training and Education Sub-Committee who submitted the following report:

​“That we have received the letter from TSSA who have stated they do not see the ​federation as a stepping stone towards a merger between our Unions.

​The General Secretary is to write to TSSA and reaffirm our position that we want one ​industrial union in the Transport Industry and our door is open for talks with the TSSA to ​achieve part of this aim.

​The letter and the letter from the TSSA to be send to all Branches and Regional ​Councils.

The Council of Executives noted and adopted the above report under Decision No. CEww, 22nd November 2012. In line with this decision, I have written to the TSSA and have attached a copy of this letter for your reference.

Yours sincerely


B. Crow
General Secretary

Changes to Personal Injury Applications for Assistance

Circular No: NP/029/13

Our ref: LA/019/12

30th January 2013

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES

Dear Colleague,

Changes to Personal Injury Applications for Assistance.

I am pleased to advise that we have been able to agree with Thompsons that our arrangements with them regarding wills, and advices shall continue but due to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, we will need to change our system of referrals for personal injury cases as it is a legal requirement that members access the RMT legal service for personal injury cases by instructing RMT Solicitors, Thompsons, direct. This can be done by members ringing 08457 125 495 or by sending an RMT Legal Assistance Form L1 to TUCH Arundel House 1 Furnival Square Sheffield S1 4QL. Where a member contacts the branch with the form, the branch should ensure the member sends it direct to Thompsons at the above address or rings the claim through on 08457 125 495 (no paper work required). As at present, the branch can of course keep a copy of the form L1 for their own records.

This only affects members in England and Wales.

I will keep you informed of further developments in this matter and I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of your members and implement the changes with immediate effect.

Yours sincerely


Bob Crow
General Secretary

Travel Facilities, Retired Staff-South West Trains

Circular No IR/05/13


To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils


Our Ref: BR2/12/6
3rd January 2012


Dear Colleagues

TRAVEL FACILITIES, RETIRED STAFF – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I have been advised by South West Trains that they wish to introduce a new concessionary retired staff travel pass. The company has informed me that now the mandatory retirement age of 65 has been removed, their current policy on retired concessionary travel can no longer apply.

Therefore the current concessionary retired staff travel pass will be turned into a loyalty pass. The new loyalty pass will be available after retirement with the prerequisite that the retiree completes 20 years of service with South West Trains.

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note the report from our Regional Organiser and the correspondence from South West Trains. It is truly staggering that the company are seeking to restrict concessionary staff travel arrangements that formed part of the 2002 pay award, under the guise of adhering to the age discrimination legislation.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to challenge SWT on this issue, reminding them that concessionary travel was negotiated in good faith and our members expect this to be honoured. Further legal opinion is to be obtained regarding the company’s claim that they could be in breach of legislation if they continue with the current arrangements. Relevant Branches and the Wessex Regional Council to be advised.”

I will now be acting on the instructions of this decision and I will keep you advised of any developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary