Received from: RMT
Congress notes:
i. On 4 September, RMT announced a dispute covering outsourced cleaners employed on London Underground.
ii. On 7 September, strike action is commencing on London Underground.
iii. In the same week, strike action is to commence on Docklands Lights Railway (DLR) operated by a private contract let by Transport for London, together with another strike by DLR sub-contracted cleaners.
Across Transport for London (TfL) subsidiary companies and contracts there is a breakdown in industrial relations on public transport. This has been fuelled in part by TfL’s failure to meaningfully address the concerns of all staff in an increasingly pressurised workplace, coping with a massive increase in passengers with high levels of assaults, stress and fatigue.
Notably, the Greater London Authority Transport Committee issued a statement on 2 September calling for TFL to reconsider its approach to staffing stations to improve staff safety.
Congress is also dismayed that on some contracts presided over by TFL there is no company sick pay, poverty wages and the use of zero-hour contracts.
Congress is also appalled to learn this week the recently appointed Elizabeth Line Concession Operator will close all its ticket offices by August 2027.
Congress notes the mayor of London is chair of Transport for London and has ultimate responsibility.
The mayor needs to exert far greater control over Transport for London to improve industrial relations. Congress calls on the mayor, in consultation with affiliates, to urgently call a summit to resolve disputes, improve industrial relations, end outsourcing and retain ticket offices.
Mover: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
Seconder: tbc