WE HAVE THE POWER TO SAVE JOBS, OFFICES & CONDITIONS
O
UR SOLID STRIKES SMASHED the idea that our unions don't have powerthat's why LU bosses changed tack. They thought they could confront us and our action would crumble. The reality was very different. They've agreed to put the implementation of the attacks on hold to negotiate until 4 April. They changed their tune after seeing our solid and buoyant RMT and TSSA picket lines across the capital. But the problem is that management have not given any guarantees whatsoever. That's why our strikes should have gone ahead. Now bosses say they're willing to engage in discussion over proposals, and 'discuss' a station by station review where they 'may' agree to some ticket offices staying open. They say they'll look again at proposals over downgrading. It's clear our strikes put them on the back foot. But London Underground boss Mike Brown was quick to clarify in the Evening Standard that it would only be a small number of ticket offices that may escape closure and that there was little room for manoeuvre over 950 job losses.
Over 50 turned out in support of Mark Harding at his initial court hearing
No job cuts, No office closures, No downgradings, No victimisations...
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Pressure
The reality of talks "away from the pressure cooker" means that Boris Johnson and the bosses now have a breathing space of almost two months, without the pressure of hard hitting strikes. Their plan will be to hope the momentum is drained and then concede as little as possible. They'll try to go ahead with plans to shut the majority of ticket offices, slash jobs, and downgrade. We can't allow this to happen. It's good the post strike bulletin from London Calling says we should be preparing for more strikes. This must be turned into action. Our unions should name strike dates now for Aprilthat'll keep the pressure on during talks. The first round of attacks are only 6 percent of the total planned cuts. If we let them divide us now, all grades will be hit hard. We have the power to win this fight, and defend all jobs, offices and conditions. Our strikes shut down large chunks of the network and ground London to a halt. On many picket lines strikers watched as a few managers and scabs scrambled around looking panicked inside.
The strength of action by drivers on the Piccadilly line was fantasticnothing moved through central London on that line. And it was good to see ASLEF drivers on the Jubilee line deciding not to cross picket lines after activists organised to put a hard argument for solidarity. This example shows that if we strike again, the potential exists for our action to grow in strength and force real concessions. It was so encouraging to see widespread public support for our action despite the big impact of our strikes on the transport system. Many passers by were stopping to say good luck, with motorists tooting solidarity. Other trade unionists and local residents came to show support at many picket lines.
It's crucial that members in both unions keep up pressure to make sure this doesn't happen. With a national teachers' strike planned for 26 March over pay, and a strike ballot of tube cleaners, we could coordinate strikes with others. The successful strikes by Edinburgh College workers who halted a major assault on pay and conditions shows how to win. They struck hard, then named dates for escalating strikes and the bosses caved in. Hammersmith and City RMT branch passed a resolution that there should be no settlement without a mass members' meeting, and while our victimised activists still face charges. Every branch should follow their example to show we are willing to fight to defend jobs, conditions, offices,and victimised activists, and with escalating strikes if that's what it takes.
What next?
RMT should name strike dates now for April to show bosses were serious There should be regular mass members' meetings throughout the period of talks No deal without a reps' and mass members' meeting to discuss it first No deal unless it includes: a) No job cuts, closures or downgradings b) All charges against Mark Harding, or anyone else victimised, dropped
This week 50 braved the rain to stand with Mark Harding at Hammersmith Magistrates court. On the eve of the suspension of the strikes, over 100 RMT activists and supporters packed into a Defend Mark Harding emergency meeting. Mark, branch secretary of Hammersmith & City RMT, was arrested off the picket line and held for 13 hours after a strikebreaker complained for being asked to respect the picket line. The attack on Mark is a deliberate strategy to take out such a prominent RMT actIvist at such a crucial point in our dispute. His full court hearing in on 23 May at City of London Magistrates Court. Rush solidarity to [email protected]
Safe
Defend Mark Harding
Our strikes are about defending a safe and accessible tube service for the public as well as stopping the job cuts. It's a disgrace that bosses caused dangerous overcrowding by keeping stations open. If the cuts go ahead they will make the network more dangerous. It's great now to see Boris taking a bashing even in the Daily Mail because bosses have been forced back to the table. But Boris and the bosses will be absolutely determined get these attacks through.
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