RMT press release, issued today

AROUND 90 RMT Station Staff working at eleven Tube stations between Plaistow and Upminster on London Underground’s District Line are being balloted for industrial action over a breakdown of industrial relations.

The ballot, which closes on August 13, has been sparked by local management ignoring normal machinery, the victimisation and harassment of staff and union reps and the sacking of a station assistant who had taken time off for pregnancy-related illnesses and after being assaulted at work.

“The East Ham group of stations is being managed appallingly and relations could hardly be worse, but the sacking of Sarah Hutchins was the last straw for our members,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“Our members have the right to expect to work in an atmosphere of trust and co-operation and where problems are solved through discussion within proper procedures, but the local management is trying to cover up its own incompetence through nitpicking and tyranny.

“Ignoring proper procedures has become the norm, there is routine victimisation of staff and reps who dare to question anything, and now we have a member sacked because she had to take time off for pregnancy related illnesses, not least thanks to being assaulted at work.

“We have tried to set up meetings to try to sort the mountain of problems out, but these have been cancelled without explanation.

“All our members want is to be treated with respect, yet they are asking who will be next to face the sack for taking time off for the stress-related illness their own management is causing.

“We are demanding the re-instatement of Sarah Hutchins and an end to the tyranny imposed by one or two incompetent bullies, and are urging our members to return an overwhelming vote for action,” Bob Crow said.