It seems that ASLEF’s efforts at single-union talks with management have proved fruitless, with LU giving a firm no to the demand for pay enhancements for Boxing Day. There are a few small moves about people on career breaks and whether you work on public holidays, but if we want a decent deal on pay, and on working conditions, that benefit all of us, then the unions need to unite. If ASLEF now joins with the united approach already struck up by RMT, TSSA and Unite, then it is likely that management will suddenly find more money.
Everyone at work knows that five years is far too long for a pay deal. The offer for years 2-5 is only a tiny bit above RPI, so could easily underestimate real price rises and leave us with real-terms pay cuts. We would be unlikely to win any improvements in conditions if we could not tie them in with a pay fight. Some people say there is little mood for a fight over pay and conditions this year, but there might be next year (when we may have a new Mayor), or the year after, or the next. We would be mad to lock our weapons away for half a decade.
Our unions have had to concentrate on other issues until recently, but it is now time to get our eyes on the ball about pay. The unions should hold a joint meeting for all workers, and branches should hold local meetings too. With members facing real issues with rising bills, and scandalous increases in fuel charges, the need to fight for a better pay deal is becoming more and more clear.
