Tubeworker's report from the front line ...
Thursday 7th August arrived and it was Rickmansworth Group's chance to show their industrial mettle over the dispute with London Underground's Human Resources and the enforced relocation of 5 CSAs.
Despite the short turnaround time of a week to get ballot papers so a strike could be called before the departure day of 10th August for the 5 CSAs, the ballot result was encouraging. Out of a total of 66 ballot papers 29 were returned and 27 voted in favour for stirke with only 2 dissenting votes. This was a fantastic result considering the time constraints.
The RMT industrial rep with the aid of RMT members managed to sign up at least 20 people for picket line duty and these were positioned accordingly on the day. Some staff actually joined the union to support the action whilst some TSSA members and non unionists respected and refused to cross picket lines. 70% of staff didn't turn up for duty that day and at various times of the days stations were left unstaffed.
During the morning shifts there were 3 stations in a row unstaffed - Northwood Hills, Pinner and North Harrow - sadly the Train Operators didn't react quickly enough and make a Health & Safety issue of 3 stations being unstaffed. Pinner was eventually staffed with Revenue Inspectors but they had no access to the office and could only remain on the platform.
Both Chesham and Chalfont were unstaffed for most of the day and Chorleywood had no staff in the morning.
The few station station staff who sadly did come in turned in at Watford, Northwood and Amersham for the morning shifts either by crossing pickets lines or RMT members coming in despite the ballot result.
Local management showed their support by only doing their shifts. However various managers, Revenue Inspectors and office staff were drafted in to staff stations in an attempt to diminish the effect of the strike action.
The morale amongst the pickets was quite high despite minor setbacks with certain staff turning for duty. Organisation by the local rep was good and the support of Steve Hedley from Regional Council and Neil Hodgson from Piccadilly trains was appreciated.
The down side was the apparent lack of support from the Regional Organiser and the Train Operator Reps who could have made more of a fuss than they did with regards to Health & Safety issues.
Compared with past disputes, Rickmansworth Group staff excelled themselves with an excellent turnout and active participation on the day.
Hopefully this can be carried forward in the next stage of the dispute and a more united front between the grades can be achieved.
Steve Hedley
No doubt the candidates and/or their supporters can speak for themselves, but I've been standing on picket lines with Steve Hedley for over a decade. He's there alongside striking workers whether he's standing in an election or not. In fact, he gives the strong impression that there is nowhere in the world he would rather be.