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From The Socialist newspaper, 11 May 2011
Defending trade unionism on London Underground
An RMT member
In a ballot for strike action to defend two transport union RMT reps, the result was overwhelmingly in support. A turnout of 46% (higher than the mayoral election turnout of 44% Boris!) voted 66% in favour to defend Arwyn Thomas and Eamon Lynch, sacked by London Underground (LUL) for being effective trade unionists.
Our train members have already taken four days of strike action (seven on the Northern and Bakerloo lines). They are not irresponsible militants as portrayed in the press, they are good trade unionists who are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to get their two brothers back at work.
We call on our brothers and sisters in Aslef, to respect our picket lines, if they pick off our reps they will come for your reps next.
A recent article in the Evening Standard shows the splits in the Con-Dem government. There is pressure on London Mayor Boris Johnson to meet with RMT and settle the dispute. Are LUL willing to flout the Employment Tribunals which found in Eamon and Arwyn's favour? We demand their reinstatement.
Six days of strike action are planned, starting on 16 May. We will encourage large pickets at every depot and we call on every member to rally to defend our members and our unions.
- As we go to press the RMT have suspended the strike action after LUL agreed to reemploy Eamon Lynch. There will be further discussions aimed at resolving the unfair dismissal, in advance of his full employment tribunal.
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In The Socialist 11 May 2011:
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
PCS conference: prepare for united action on 30 June
Crucial time for Saltend dispute
Defending trade unionism on London Underground
Library cuts hit staff and users: time for action against the cuts
Socialist Students
Students occupy against cuts at London Met
Socialist Party election analysis
Government Con-Demned at ballot box
TUSC shows alternative to Con-Dem and Labour cuts
Labour wins Welsh Assembly election -
SNP landslide – but it will be a government of savage cuts
Socialist Party news and analysis
Defend independent living rights
Con-Dems put squeeze on democratic rights
Bahrain repression: Muted criticism of West's ally
International socialist news and analysis
UN report on Sri Lanka war crimes
Socialist Party reviews
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
Review: Panorama on housing: The human impact of the crisis
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