Metronet: Fight Out-sourcing!

Posted in Tubeworker's blog on ,

Just as TubeLines is finding out what a disaster outsourcing is, the other Infraco - Metronet - is persisting with the same disastrous policy!

Union reps have reported that redundancies have already started, with Stonebridge Park managers made to apply for their own jobs and made redundant when they fail. And how's this for an example of the madness of Metronet's reorganisation? Apparently, under the new system, trains from Stonebridge Park will be hauled onto a low loader and taken by road to Northumberland Park for maintenance!

Metronet thinks it can play down the job losses by saying that current vacancies "don't count"! Of the 21 shop-floor SSL jobs to go, 12 apparently "don't count"!

Metronet has been holding vacancies instead of filling them, presumably to save money in the short term and make redundancies easier in the longer term. It has not replaced any fleet staff who have departed. Is this their way of getting round the “jobs for life” deal?

Vacancies do count, though, because while the Infraco has been carrying the vacancies, the rest of the workforce has carried additional workload and standards will inevitably suffer. Management want to cut the shed day gang from 16 to 10, and are cutting back on programme lifts of D78 stock – we all know that this will mean over-stretched workers and safety compromises.

Meanwhile, Metronet says that the D stock refurb is a "capital programme that is awaiting funding". Our translators think that might mean "We're not going to do it unless someone gives us the money".

Metronet has attacked its workforce since taking over the franchise. Before this latest reorganisation, we had the case of the Farringdon beer cans, and Appendix A.

Metronet’s bosses do appreciate that working for the Infraco drains people’s morale. But it’s OK, because they have come up with a solution – a lottery!

Apparently, the Infraco wants us all to learn ‘The Metronet Way’. But we have a lesson to teach them – The Union Way!
We are heading for strike action on Metronet. When it comes, the Metronet workforce must be solid, and LUL staff must be ready to refuse to work on safety grounds. We can not in all conscience open stations and drive trains when we know that they have not been checked and the infrastrucutre is not being maintained by skilled, professional staff. This refusal to work needs to be co-ordinated and led, instead of being left to individuals.

In this event, we will probably see LUL try to help Metronet reduce the impact of the strike. Wouldn’t that be secondary action?! Or is it one rule for bosses and another for workers?!

RMT is to hold two mass meetings for Metronet workers - Tuesday 1st November, 10.30am and 5.30pm, NATFHE head office, 27 Britannia Street (Kings Cross).

We should also hold workplace meetings to build the action and keep everyone informed and involved.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.