London Underground Ltd (LUL) - Track noise on the Central, Jubilee, Northern and Victoria Lines

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/257/24

24th October 2024

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

LONDON UNDERGROUND LTD (LUL) – TRACK NOISE ON THE CENTRAL LINE, JUBILEE LINE, NORTHERN LINE AND VICTORIA LINE

 

Following receipt of a report from your lead officer, RMT has declared a dispute with London Underground Ltd (LUL) over the company’s failure to reduce the level of track noise, in particular on the Central, Jubilee, Northern and Victoria Lines.

 

Your lead officer reported that RMT has demanded LUL takes urgent action to mitigate noise on the Victoria, Central, Jubilee and Northern Lines. These represent all deep tube lines that operate automatic train control. LUL believes that the consistent acceleration and braking forces created by auto running is a key element in the worsening of the noise problem on these lines.

 

I have received a report from LUL, which shows that the completion of more than two round trips on the Victoria Line is exposing our members to level of noise that breach the relevant regulations. LUL has now instructed all Victoria Line drivers to wear ear-defenders. This instruction is not accepted as a suitable mitigation by our members as it prevents them from hearing the train radio or being alerted to incidents happening around them. Consequently, Victoria Line train operators have been balloted and have voted to take strike action and action short of a strike, in the form of driving in protected manual at a speed that reduces excessive noise.

 

In addition to these developments on the Victoria Line, I have now received a report from our Tier 2 Trains reps regarding the issue on the other lines.

 

Central Line

Central Line East (CLE) passed a motion at their branch last month. This is representative of the whole Central line. The motion was as below:

 

This branch notes the increase in noise levels on the Central Line which are extremely uncomfortable and distressing for our drivers. We also note local management’s refusal to follow agreed processes agreed at Tier 2. We have constantly asked for TSRs as an interim measure as these are proven to reduce noise levels, these have been refused with no reason given.

 

Considering this unacceptable situation we ask that a report on this issue be placed in front of the NEC and ask that they write to London Underground informing them that we are going into dispute on this matter,

 

Further, this branch is ready to take action up to action short of strike and strike action to protect our drivers who wish to drive manually at a reduced speed through these areas.

 

At its meeting on 24th September, your National Executive Committee (NEC) noted the resolution and thanked the branch for it, requesting an updated report from you lead officer.

 

Northern line

Morden branch passed a motion last Wednesday, to go into dispute and ballot the northern line. This motion is similar to the CLE motion and covers the whole northern line.  All reps are supportive of this approach. 

 

Jubilee Line

My lead officer spoke with all the health and safety reps and the consensus is that we go into dispute and ballot the Jubilee Line as well.

 

Our T2 reps report that members wish to ballot each line separately but to the same timetable and that all train operator and instructor operator members on the Central, Jubilee and Northern Lines should now be balloted on the same terms.

 

Your fellow members on the Victoria Line have already voted in favour of strike action and action short of a strike as follows:

 

Are you prepared to take strike action?

 

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot:       159

Number of votes cast in the ballot:                                                   102

Number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question:                  100      

Number of individuals answering “No” to the question:                  2          

Number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned:     0

 

Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?

 

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot:       159

Number of votes cast in the ballot:                                                   102      

Number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question:                  101      

Number of individuals answering “No” to the question:                  1

Number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned:     0          

            

Both of the above results meet the thresholds imposed due the anti-trade union laws and the National Executive Committee has wholeheartedly congratulated members on delivering a ballot mandate for strike action and action short of a strike. 

 

 

            At its meeting on 10th October 2024, your NEC resolved as follows:

 

            That we note the report from the lead officer on file.

 

            This National Executive Committee instructs the General Secretary to continue the ballot on the Victoria and commence a ballot of our Train Operator and Instructor Operator members on the Central Line, Jubilee Line & Northern Line for Strike Action and Action Short of Strike in the form of an overtime and rest day ban and driving manually.

 

            Relevant Branches, Regional Councils to be advised.

 

            I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

            The notices for the above three ballots have been sent to LUL on 22nd October. Ballot papers are being issued on Tuesday 29th October, with a closing date of Tuesday 19th November.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary