As has been previously reported LU management have been consulting with RMT and TSSA on a proposed new Surplus and Loss Procedure http://www.rmtplatform.org.uk/node/1028.

This was a reconvened meeting to discuss our objections to the new AFM machines where SAMF trained staff can resolve journeys from outside the ticket office.

London Underground is to trial a new "automated Oyster helpline". When ticket office staff need information on failed Oyster cards, LU expects you to phone this number and rather than speak to a human being, dial or speak to an automated system.

London Underground has announced another plan which will undermine ticket office jobs and put CSAs at risk. Called 'Enhanced AFM Functionality', it will see SAMFs and CSAs with ticket office licences carrying out functions on a passenger-operated machine from outside the ticket office that are currently carried out by staff from inside the ticket office.

Got sent an email last night by one of our DSM's and wondered how many more people had missed an important line in the following.

T&R Update 46

From Sunday 02 January 2011, the refundable deposit on all new Oyster cards will increase from £3.00 to £5.00.

Easthammer 6 is now out a totally different format because I was bored and decided to make it into a 4 page booklet when printed. I would still like input from other Reps in the Branch as I only know whats going on at my group. This is now an 8 page version although it may go back to four for other editions but I thought I would include a Centre fold poster (No not that kind)

The third Issue of the Easthammer newsletter is now uploaded to the web with a copy here as well please distribute it as widely across the group/Branch as possible.

Click '1 attachment' / file name to download and print RMT's leaflet explaining to the public our opposition to London Undergrond's new policy of a five pound minimum for Oyster top-ups at the ticket office window. Print it two-sided, then slice it into three!

Below is a copy of the joint collective grievance raised by SAMF's across the network and managements response.

Collective Grievance.

Management confirmed that the £5 minimum Top–Up will be rolled out across the whole network with the January fares revision. RMT have and will continue to object to the £5 minimum top up.

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.

Update: London Underground has upheld Mercy's outrageous sacking at her appeal. Mercy's RMT branch - Finsbury Park - will discuss what action they will organise to demand her reinstatement at their meeting this Friday, 20 November.

Click '1 attachment' / file name to download a special issue of 'RMT Platform'. Read the text below.

London Underground has sacked Green Park SAMF Mercy Odisi, accusing her of failing to account for around £400.

But Mercy wasn’t even told there was a discrepancy on her account until more than three months after it happened!

From then on, there was a catalogue of injustice in how management investigated and prosecuted this case. On 8 October, LUL sacked Mercy. Her appeal was held on 30 October; the result is due by 13 November.

Mercy Odisi is innocent. She has been fitted up, treated like a thief with no evidence to back up such allegations.

Mercy’s sacking is a clear miscarriage of justice.

The main issues affecting our members were:

1. £5 Minimum PAYG Top Up

Management informed us that a briefing paper was being compiled for an Executive decision on whether to roll out the £5 minimum PAYG top up to all stations on the network. It looks likely that they will do this as it is clearly part of their on-going strategy to drive customers away from the ticket office windows.

RMT and TSSA are organising to submit a collective grievance to London Underground about the serious problems with its ticket office accountancy system. The text is below. If you would like to add your name,do so by the 5th November, please e-mail John Kelly.

With the justified strike action taking place it is unfortunate that other issues tend to fall by the wayside.