Over the last year, London Underground has been running a trial at selected stations, where ticket sellers are supposed to refuse requests for Oyster top-ups of less than £5. RMT has objected to this trial, as we believe that it is an attack on our customers, and a move to prepare for ticket office closures and job cuts. Our objections are itemised here.

We have now found out that London Underground has announced to its managers that it is to impose this £5 minimum policy on all stations from next month. There has been no discussion on this with the trade unions: a clear breach of the machinery of negotiation and consultation.

Your Stations & Revenue Council reps have asked RMT to write to London Underground as a matter of urgency, demanding that the implementation of this policy is suspended to allow the machinery to be followed. If the company refuses to do this, RMT should declare ourselves in dispute with LUL, and should act accordingly.

I also believe that this is an issue on which the travelling public will agree with RMT and will appreciate the stance we are taking. I have therefore also urged the union to contact the press and produce leaflets about this issue.