LUL - Enforced Regular Covid-19 Testing

Our Ref: HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular NP/286/20
19th November 2020
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

LUL – ENFORCED REGULAR COVID-19 TESTING

The following resolution was submitted by Hammersmith & City (H&C) Branch:

The H&C Branch condemns any attempt by the company (London Underground Ltd- LUL) to force any member of staff to undertake invasive regular COVID testing, as part of their role.

The suggestion that the company may deem employees unfit to carry out their job roles if they refuse to comply with this invasive testing, and potentially redeploy, regrade, or even terminate their employment is an absolute disgrace.

The H&C Branch calls upon the RMT Union Executive to agree to fully support any members of staff, who are removed or threatened with removal from their substantive job role for refusing to partake in regular invasive COVID testing by the company. We feel that allowing this to be compulsory would set a dangerous precedent for other invasive tests insisted upon and carried out by the company.

Further the Executive should write to the company to request guarantees that members in these affected jobs will be safeguarded in their role should they decline to partake in the COVID testing.

Your National Executive Committee (NEC) agreed the following motion at its meeting on 17th November 2020:

That we note the resolution from our Hammersmith & City Branch. The NEC is concerned that LUL may be seeking to pressure members into accepting invasive Covid 19 testing carried out for the employer.

The General Secretary is instructed to obtain a report from the TfL/LUL lead officer on this matter including any discussions that have taken place with the employer.

Hammersmith & City branch and LTRC to be informed.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of developments. Please make the contents of this Circular available to all appropriate members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary