end, RMT train crew members in former BR companies are moving into action.
Reluctant participants from the start, the ASLEF leadership took the opportunity to walk away from the LUL dispute as soon as they could.
While the RMT leadership took a more principled position and argued for a continuation of the struggle, without ASLEF involvement, they felt unable to keen the dispute alive. Once again, ASLEF leaders have left their members high and dry.
With little sign of opposition inside ASLEF. many are questioning whether the time has come to move over to the RMT.
Mainline train crews have opened up a new range of actions.
Train crew in seven train operation companies have taken two days strike action. Train crew in other companies are being balloted and will hopefully be drawn into the dispute by the end of September. been prepared to negotiate a settlement (ElO a week bonus for past productivity) whereas those still publicly owned are refusing to make any meaningful offer, their hands tied by the government.
They have adopted a strategy of trying to split the union, attacking the union for playing political games inspired by the SLP, while buying off company-based union representatives.
This dispute has been brewing over many years. Pressure has been building up since | 989 to resolve productivity pay issues. rar from naving uterior molves. the national executive has been slow in responding to demands from the ranks.
Ballot results have surpassed expectations, and the first days of action were relatively successful. No longer industrially able to halt everything, RMT train crew have nevertheless delivered a first shot across the bows.
In the past, two or three days of action could lead to victories - clearly more will be required this time - but with be won.
Serious problems need to be over. come however.
In the best of worlds, one would hope that ASLEF would positively support the dispute.
The deadline for implementation of last year's "agreement" on a shorter working week ended without movement in a number of companies.
Where there has been change, it is only on the basis of restructuring agreements setting out conditions. Some ASLEF branches are demanding their union fights for implementation of the shorter working week without strings.
However ASLEF actually helping to break the strike. They are encouraging train guards to leave the RMT and join ASLEF to avoid having to strike. They have issued instructions to their own drivers that they should be prepared to work as guards (ie scab) if asked by management. still being held and widen the action. Ballot papers have gone out this week -over the next fortnight, we have to ensure the vote is delivered.
Connivance between new bosses and RMT regional reps has made it impossible to ballot in two southern companies. The RMT national executive has so far been reluctant to openly oppose these reps. They must now do so. The support exists on the ground if the executive has the confidence to act.
With these problems addressed, the key to winning the dispute will be upping the action. Two further strike days have been called for September. This will keep the dispute rolling but a more aggressive plan of action is needed.
The dispute is only slowly picking up momentum. The focus at the moment is internal, but if the dispute picks up speed, outside support would become more imborkint It is clear that other representatives face disciplinary action for the 'crime' of calling strike breakers 'scabs'. Victimised activists should not be left on their own - the national union must defend them.
A demand for amnesty must be part of any settlement. Postal workers have shown tremendous resolve to win this dispute in the face of a massive offensive by Royal Mail management, the Tories, the media and now Tony Blair.
Labour MPs must pledge their support and challenge Blair's statement on the ballot. Trade unionists and Labour party activists should be organising solidarity - get a speaker along to your meeting or help organise a public meeting locally to spread the word.