Stop the fare hikes: demo for fair fares

Event Date: August 16 2011

Stop the fare hikes: demo for fair fares

Date: 16th August 2011
Time: 8.30 – 9.30 AM
Place: across from Waterloo station (corner of York Way and Sutton Walk). See the meeting point marked on a map

As part of their austerity cuts, the government is planning to raise fares by 28% by 2015. We want to stop them.

Such massive fare rises will be a disaster for people already struggling with rising costs and frozen wages. People won’t be able to afford to get to work, or will be forced to drive – creating more traffic jams and more carbon emissions. Trains should be an essential public service, not a luxury for the rich.

Join us on the day we’ll find out exactly how high fares will be next January to send a clear message to the government: Affordable public transport is vital – cancel the fare hikes and don’t price us off the train!

We’ll be outside Waterloo station in London with placards, banners and plenty of outrage. Come by for half an hour on your way to work (any time between 8.30 and 9.30 AM) to pop giant balloons to show that it’s time to burst the bubble on inflation-busting fare hikes. Or make it the start of a summer day out in London. Either way, help us show the government that we won’t take their unfair fare hikes lying down!

Invite your friends via the Facebook event

Brought to you by Campaign for Better Transport, with support from Bring Back British Rail, Climate Rush, RMT and TSSA

Circular No IR/314/11

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

28^th July 2011

Dear Colleagues

RIGHT TO BE ACCOMPANIED/REPRESENTATION AT FACT FINDING INVESTIGATORY MEETINGS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS (BR2/4/4)

It has come to my attention that South West Trains managers have been initiating disciplinary action at Fact Finding meetings which therefore become the first stage of the disciplinary procedure. Under the employment legislation employees have the right to be accompanied at disciplinary meetings, however informal/investigatory meetings are not covered by this legislation and management can refuse a “request to be accompanied”.

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

“That we note the correspondence from Thompsons Solicitors outlining their legal opinion regarding the issue. Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to write to South West Trains informing them that any fact finding or other meeting that is convened without the ‘request to be accompanied’ being granted must not result in the following:

· The administration of a formal warning to a worker

· The taking of some other action in respect of a worker

· The confirmation of a warning issued or some other action taken

Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

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

BRITAIN’S TWO LARGEST RAIL UNIONS AGREE TO MERGER TALKS

FROM RAIL UNIONS RMT AND TSSA

PRESS RELEASE

22 July 2011

Immediate

BRITAIN’S TWO LARGEST RAIL UNIONS AGREE TO MERGER TALKS

The TSSA and RMT unions today agreed to commit to formal talks which could ultimately lead to a merger of the two unions. Initial discussions will focus on closer working between both unions initially through a federation structure with a view to moving towards a merger.

Both unions also agreed that the door will remain open for other smaller specialist unions in transport who may be thinking along similar lines to join the discussions at a future date.

Commenting on the decision, TSSA General Secretary Gerry Doherty said :

“Today’s decision will hopefully be the start of a process designed to serve the interests of future generations of transport and travel trade workers. We owe an obligation to our children and our children’s children to leave better organisations that protect workers in the very uncertain future that

they currently face”

Speaking on behalf of the RMT, General Secretary Bob Crow said :

“This is a historical day for the trade union movement. These talks will bring together two unions each with over a hundred years of specialising in the transport industry in the interests of workers.”

RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEMES – 2010 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

#My Ref: MRP: 1/8 15th July 2011

Circular No. NP/132 /11

To: The Secretary All Branches & Regional Councils

Dear Colleague,

RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEMES – 2010 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

As I am sure you are aware the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) tri-annual actuarial valuation is presently being carried out by the scheme Actuary and as part of this consultation process the RMT, along with other trade unions, has been having discussions with railway management about these results.

The draft valuation results reveal that the majority of RPS sections are in deficit although some are showing a surplus. The Actuary has indicated that like other UK pension schemes which are in deficit this can be contributed to a number of factors, including poor investment returns and improvements in mortality.

As with past valuation, talks between management and the trade unions have centered on the affordability and sustainability of the RPS. The Actuary has outlined a number of options which could be used to reduce each sections deficit, which include further increases in employer and employee pension contributions and benefits changes.

The valuation results for each section are still to be finalised and whilst there has been discussions about reducing future pension liabilities, the RMT’s policy will be to protect existing and future pension benefits.

I would therefore like to remind all RMT representatives that no agreement should be reached on amending contributions or benefits, either through Pensions Committees or in direct discussions with the employer, without prior consent from Head Office. Details of any employer proposals should be forwarded immediately to Head Office.

The RPS 2010 Actuarial Valuation must be completed by 31^st March 2012. If, however, there are any proposed changes to RPS pension arrangements a member consultation period will begin at least 60 days before the 31^st March 2012.

I shall, of course, keep you advised of developments.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

New Inflation Rates

Tuesday 12^th July 2011

Circular No. National Policy 127/11/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to June 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5%, down 0.2% from the previous figure of 5.2% for the twelve months to May 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.2% for the twelve months to June 2011. This is down 0.3% from the figure for the twelve months to May 2011.

By far the largest downward pressure to the change in CPI inflation came from recreation and culture where prices, overall, fell by 0.9 per cent between May and June this year compared with a rise of 0.5 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The fall this year was a record for a May to June period. The main downward effects came from games, toys and hobbies, particularly computer games, and from audio-visual equipment and related products, where price discounting this year of items such as digital cameras, DVDs and televisions contributed to the downward movement.
There were also large downward pressures from:

• miscellaneous goods and services where prices, overall, were little changed between May and June this year compared with an increase of 0.6 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The downward effect came from a wide variety of goods and services with the largest contribution coming from insurance where premiums rose by less than a year ago
• communication, driven by telephone equipment and services, particularly mobile phone charges
• second-hand cars which fell in price this year but rose a year ago

By far the largest offsetting upward pressure to the change in CPI inflation came from food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices, overall, rose by 0.9 per cent between May and June this year but fell by 0.1 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The upward effects came from a wide range of product groups, most notably from bread and cereals, meat, and milk, cheese and eggs. In each case, prices rose this year across a range of products compared with falls a year ago.
There was also a large upward pressure from fuels and lubricants where prices fell this year by less than a year ago. Petrol pump prices fell by 0.7 pence per litre between May and June this year to stand at 135.6 pence per litre. This movement compares with a fall of 2.6 pence per litre between the same two months a year ago.

The next publication date will be 16^th August 2011.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

Software available from SWT

Some info that may be of use to you all…..

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Open Learning - Please be reminded that the SWT Open Learning Centres are still open and available for your use. For those of you that aren't aware,the centres are based in Waterloo, Basingstoke and Southampton. The SWT Open Learning department offers numerous self-study and online courses in wide array of subjects, including Complimentary Therapies, Supervisory Skills, Counselling and Languages. To make an appointment with an Open Learning Advisor, please call 074-9801 Internal or 01256324413 External.

Next Step -

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Next Step can help you:

• Find learning and training that is right for you
• Check your skills and set up an action plan
• Improve your reading, writing and maths
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• Inform you about the types of childcare and disability support available.

What's my Next Step?

For FREE information and advice about learning and careers contact Next Step. www.direct.gov.uk/nextstep or call 0800 100 900 between 0800-2200, 7 days a week.

Learning can be affordable - There are lots of free courses, grants and funding available to support your learning; If you would like to learn more about using a computer, UK Online Centres offer FREE short courses called Online Basics, to help you get started. Call 0800 771 234 or visit www.ukonlinecentres.com

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For information on government funding visit: www.direct.gov.uk and search for "Financial help for adult learners" to find out what you may be eligible for.

Take your learning to the next level - The Open University (OU) offers hundreds of courses in a range of subjects and levels, giving you the opportunity to fit learning around your lifestyle. If you have childcare commitments, a busy work schedule, difficulties with transport or just prefer learning at home, studying with the OU offers you the flexibility and support to make learning work for you.

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Telephone Lines Unity House

Dear all

Please be advised that BT have now repaired the fault and the telephones at Unity House are now working.

Thank you for your patience.

Unity House: Temporary Phone lines

Unity House: Temporary Phone lines

Due to continuing problems with RMT telephone lines, BT have provided a number of mobile phones which have been allocated to each department at Unity House.

While the main switchboard number (020 7387 4771) is diverted to an additional mobile, the switchboard will be unable to transfer calls and will provide the caller with the number for the relevant department.

The numbers are:

• Industrial Relations...07918 778498
• Membership...07918 778164
• Finance...07918 674146
• Personnel & Constitution...07918 693444
• Press/Communications...07918 674157
• National Policy...07918 767901
• South East Regional Office...07918 77867
• Private Secretary...07918 778456

RMT PAY BULLETIN June 2011

Circular No. NP/107/11/MC

15^th June 2011

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

 

RMT PAY BULLETIN

June 2011

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to May 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.2%, unchanged from the previous figure of 5.2% for the twelve months to April 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.5% for the twelve months to May 2011. This is unchanged from the figure for the twelve months to April 2011.

The largest upward pressures on the level of CPI inflation came from:

• alcohol and tobacco with the effect coming from wine and beer partially offset by spirits. Prices, overall, of wine and beer rose this year but fell a year ago, particularly for new world wine and lager. Whisky and vodka prices were the main causes of the downward contribution from spirits

• miscellaneous goods and services where prices, overall, rose by 0.6 per cent between April and May this year compared with an increase of 0.2 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The upward effect principally came from appliances and products for personal care

The next publication date will be 12^th July 2011.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
SKF Bearings	· 4% increase to basic pay	1 Jan 2011
Colt Telecom	· 2% increase to basic pay	1 Jan 2011
Housing 21	· 1% increase to basic pay	1 Apr 2011

Recent RMT Settlements
Company	Award	Effective From
Infrastructure
Volkerail	An increase in annual leave entitlement to 25 days per annum with immediate effect in 2011. A one-year increase in the loyalty bonus of £150 to £425.78. This will apply between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2012 only.	1 Apr 2011
Babcock	· A basic rate increase of 3% for all employees covered by Procedure Agreement 1 (General Collective Bargaining). This is subject to the following conditions:- Working Away From Home In the first instance, the Company will seek volunteers where working away from home is required. It is expected the existing level of flexibility should resolve most problems. However, in the event there are insufficient volunteers, this will be resolved via discussion with recognised trade unions. Pay Interval All remaining staff that are on full-time employment contracts and currently paid weekly to be paid on a 4-weekly basis as per normal arrangements. The Company will offer the appropriate financial support to allow this small number of employees affected to make the adjustment to 4-weekly pay. Terms and Conditions The Company and Trade Unions will agree an appropriate method for transferring former staff of Jarvis and Carillion and current staff in Plant and Workshop Supervisor grades to standard Babcock Rail terms and conditions of employment. It is recognised that while this transfer will be subject to a positive ballot within each work group, it is a mutual benefit to the Company and the Trade Unions that such a transfer should take place and that every effort will be made to achieve this outcome.	1 Apr 2011
Colas Rail	Two Year Pay Deal · 1st April 2010: 1.5% increase on all base wages · 1st January 2011: 0.5% increase on all base wages · 1st April 2011: 2.0% increase on all base wages ·	1 Apr 2010
Network Rail
Network Rail Operations and Customer Services, Project and Engineering Support Staff and National Functions.	Year One A 5.2% increase (November 2010 RPI + 0.5%) Year Two An increase of November 2011 RPI + 0.5%, with effect from 1st January 2012. General Summary An improvement in travel subsidy facilities to 75%, with a maximum subsidy value of £2250 on all applications from the 1st July 2011 onwards. Olympics Arrangements Summary (Copy attached) · An Olympic premium payment of £3.50 per hour for staff whose duties are affected beyond the normal requirements of their job during the Olympics period. · In certain locations where meal availability is restricted, appropriate meal provision will be made, or Network Rail shall provide a meal allowance of £5 paid net of tax. · Furthermore the union has agreed dispute management procedures for the period of the Olympics and Paralympics. · RMT will participate in an Olympics working group which will discuss the Olympics arrangements in terms of staffing levels, health and safety and explain and discuss the company’s overall plans. More detail can be found in the attached document.	1 Jan 2011
Train Operating Companies & Freight Operating Companies
National Express Baron House Contact Centre Staff	· A one-off payment of £100 (net of tax) to all full time staff with pro rata for part-time staff.	-
First Capital Connect	Year One · Salaries together with dynamic allowances will be increased by 5.5% Year Two · Salaries together with dynamic allowances to be increased by 3% or February 2012 RPI whichever is greater from Sunday 1st April 2012. · Revenue Protection Staff on the GN line of route will be eligible to receive the attendance allowance on the same terms as the allowance is applied to Station Staff on the GN line of route. This allowance will replace the existing revenue protection bonus scheme. The allowance will be dynamic and will be increased in line with the salary review uplift this year. The full year increase available to each member of the Revenue Team will be up to £137.56 taking cognisance of this year’s pay uplift rate. It will be paid pro rata until 31st December and then will be paid on a calendar year basis. · Revenue Control Officers at Luton Airport Parkway who are rostered permanent night shift will receive an allowance of £6.75 per shift and this amount will be back dated to 1st November 2010. · The current attendance allowance paid to Revenue Protection Team (excluding RCOs) on the TL line of route will become dynamic with effect from this year. · An undertaking was given to the Pay Review Committee to consider whether there was any scope for bringing together the terms and conditions of Revenue Protection Staff working on the TL and GN lines of route. · In addition to these matters it was agreed that the use of agency staff will be a standing item on the quarterly Customer Services and Revenue Protection Consultation Committees. · First Capital Connect will undertake to pursue with a medical provider, voluntary health checks such as blood pressure, cholesterol level and weight checks.	3 Apr 2011
Workshop & Train Maintenance
VAE	· An increase of 4% to basic pay, no strings attached.	1 Apr 2011
Bombardier Derby	Year One A 2% increase on the basic rate of pay for Manufacturing Staff, Manufacturing Staff Team Leaders and Manufacturing Staff Trainers. This award to be backdated to 1st January 2011. Year Two A 2% increase on the basic rate of pay for Manufacturing Staff, Manufacturing Staff Team Leaders and Manufacturing Staff Trainers. This award to be effective from 1st January 2012. Plus a further 1% should a contract be signed to supply Thameslink, also awarded from 1st January 2012.	1 Jan 2011
Bus & Road Transport
Stagecoach Eastmidlands, Mansfield & Worksop Drivers	Year One 2nd May 2011 All duties scheduled to take a bus out of depot will be paid 10 minutes to clearly show the first use check. All duties will attract an additional 5 minutes paid allowance at the end of the duty for paying in. 20th November 2011 Grade 1 rate will increase by 15p per hour to £8.85. It should be noted that the paid allowances are in addition to the present arrangements where the time for the task was consolidated into the current rates of pay. Year Two 7th May 2012 Grade 1 rate increased by a further 10p per hour to £8.95. 19th November 2012 Grade 1 rate increased by a further 10p per hour to £9.05. The next pay review would then be due in May 2013.	2 May 2011
Bournemouth Transport	Year One · An increase of 2.7% in all applicable rates Year Two · A further increase of 2.3% in all applicable rates from 1st May 2012.	1 May 2011
Shipping
Hovertravel	A 2.5% increase on basic rates of pay. An additional quarterly bonus payment at 100% which equates to approximately £125 per person.	1 Apr 2011

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary