Final agenda - full text
This page contains the full text of the motions before the 2011 Conference. They are listed in numerical order: please scroll down to find the motion you require. An index of all the motions is available online.
Items 8 and 9 (Composite) Pensions
1 That this Conference opposes the Government's move to use the CPI instead of RPI as the measure 2 of price inflation for increasing occupational pension schemes. 3 Conference instructs the EC to lobby through all available channels for this policy to be reversed and 4 to negotiate with all employers and Pension Trustees to alter the rules of schemes where required to 5 retain the link to the RPI and ensure that this index is used where required or permitted under scheme 6 rules.
Derby & East Midlands
Paddington & Thames Valley
10. Pensions
1 Conference calls upon the EC to make representations to the Trustees of the Railways Pension 2 Scheme concerning the rights of deferred pensioners. Since privatisation there have been waves of 3 Association members being made redundant by railway companies, their pension rights are then preserved 4 in the scheme. This is an important investment for the individual and it is important that they have 5 the best possible information concerning the scheme and the employer guaranteeing it. 6 Conference believes members should be told when major changes take place such as closure of 7 sections to new members or transfer of the business to other employers and that the railway scheme 8 should provide affordable advice on the management of the deferred pension rights as a financial asset.
Lancs & Cumbria General
Amendments - A. To delete "calls upon" in line 1 and substitute "instructs".
Lancs & Cumbria Retired
B. To delete all after "Conference" in line 6 and substitute "is concerned that the amount of tax-free income that can be put into pensions has been severely reduced from April 2011. Conference notes this will particularly affect pensioners with long service in final salary schemes who may be faced with unexpected tax bills. Conference condemns this attack on the savings of all pensioners and instructs the EC to make the appropriate representations to the Treasury and to the TUC to raise awareness on the need to protect the rights and incomes of all deferred pensioners.".
London Bus Operators
11. Pensions
1 That this Conference, in view of the Government's proposal to increase the State pension age, instructs 2 the EC to consult with the various companies where the Association's members are in their private 3 pension funds, to enable them to remain as contributing members in the fund beyond the retirement age 4 laid down in the existing fund rules. This would enable contributing members to earn a higher scheme 5 pension based on a higher number of contributing years.
Lancs & Cumbria Retired
12. Pensions
1 That this Conference is concerned that the coalition Government is proposing to reform the State 2 pension scheme such as raising the retirement age and allowing all the female population a State 3 pension in their own right. Conference, however, is concerned that these proposals will create a two-tier 4 State pension scheme with a cut-off point at which the population will join the new scheme. 5 Conference calls on the EC to bring the terms of this motion to all relevant parties.
London & S.E. Retired
Amendment - To delete "is concerned" in line 1 and substitute "notes".
Midlands Retired
13. Pensions
1 That this Conference notes that the retired population is now struggling with inflation and threats to 2 their occupational pension schemes. The introduction by Network Rail of its Career Average Revalued 3 Earnings (CARE) pension scheme will only increase the problem when young members eventually retire. 4 Conference believes it would be better if these new employees could transfer into the final salary 5 scheme (RPS) after say 5 years service as is the case with the defined pension scheme. To be locked 6 into the (CARE) scheme for life is against all natural logic.
Network Rail East Anglia
14. Pay
1 That this Conference notes that in the last three years, bands 1 to 4 in Network Rail have been treated 2 appallingly by the company in respect of their pay increases. Conference believes that Network Rail has 3 eroded pay differentials and unfairly imposed below inflation pay awards on its management staff. 4 Conference asks the EC to support a vigorous and active campaign by the Association on behalf of 5 bands 1 to 4 managers in Network Rail for: 6 (a) a higher pay pot that reflects inflation (RPI); 7 (b) a minimum pay rise for all staff; 8 (c) a more open and transparent system of rewarding staff, and 9 (d) opposition to any attempt by Network Rail to impose yet another unfair, below inflation pay deal in 10 2011.
Network Rail Anglia North
15. Conditions of Service
1 That this Conference instructs the EC to formulate proposals to ensure that employers undertake 2 investigations and disciplinary proceedings in a timely and correct manner if the Association's members 3 are involved, in order to minimise any stress for those concerned and where it is felt that an undue 4 amount of time is being taken to vigorously and publicly challenge the employer.
Euston
16. Conditions of Service
1 That this Conference instructs the EC to negotiate with Network Rail in respect of their proposed 2 National Centre in Milton Keynes which will result in the closure of a number of smaller regional offices 3 and the redundancy or forced relocation of existing Network Rail employees.
Network Rail North West
17. Conditions of Service
1 That this Conference notes with concern the unnecessary programme of cuts being pursued by the 2 Coalition government. Conference is firmly of the view that these cuts in public services and jobs are 3 ideologically motivated and are not required by the fiscal deficit, which is itself the result of the steps 4 taken to mitigate the economic collapse threatened because of greed and mismanagement in the banking 5 sector. 6 Conference is particularly concerned at the continuing programme of cuts in TfL, affecting public 7 transport services, the maintenance and development of the road network, the objectives of improving 8 air quality and Londoners' health and the terms and conditions of its staff. 9 Conference notes that Project Horizon, the comprehensive review of TfL's structure and functions, is 10 to propose implementation plans in April 2011, but the trade unions representing its workforce at all levels 11 have been on the periphery of this process. Conference calls for urgent engagement by TfL with the 12 recognised trade unions to ensure that those closest to service delivery can have a meaningful input into 13 the design of the structures they are to work within. 14 Conference further calls for a rigorous approvals process to be put in place for proposals for organisational 15 change, to ensure that principles of fairness and transparency are applied and to reduce the disruption 16 and demoralisation caused by piecemeal reorganisations.
TfL Central
Amendment - To insert between "within." in line 13 and "Conference" in line 14 new paragraph: "Conference calls for the rights of workers with disabilities to be protected in this process. Management must make reasonable adjustment for the needs of workers with disabilities and ensure that they are not unfairly treated in any way in the redundancy or redeployment process.".
Disability Working Group
18. EC Motion on Learning
1 The EC will be issuing a special circular to Branches in April 2011, at which time Branches will be 2 advised of the terms of the EC motion.
Executive Committee
19. TSSA Training
1 That this Conference notes the efforts of the Association's Education Officer to produce an extensive 2 programme of courses aimed at reps each year. However, the uptake for these courses is minimal for 3 whatever reason, resulting in many of the courses being cancelled at the last minute. Conference also 4 notes that this can and has led to knowledge gaps in the required skills for reps. 5 Conference therefore calls upon the EC to work with the Education Officer to create a mandatory 6 system for reps to attend courses within a recommended timeframe. This is to be agreed with the Education 7 Officer in order to maintain their roles and further support reps in gaining release from their companies.
Underground Infrastructure
20. TSSA Education
1 That this Conference asks the EC to set up a working group to develop the key points listed below: 2 (a) support and promote the use of Apprenticeships in the industry; 3 (b) more support for learning for life, adult learning or personal development; 4 (c) re-skilling for people changing their careers, returning to work or with special needs; 5 (d) develop a support scheme to help workers into their retirement, and 6 (e) more organised in-house learning courses. 7 Conference believes this is important because it will improve the educational opportunities for the 8 Association's members, both current and future. This would also be a useful tool in developing the future 9 of the Association by offering an added benefit to potential members by developing the skills of existing 10 members.
Yorkshire No.1 TOC
21. Privatisation of Irish Semi-State Companies
1 That this Conference strongly condemns the Irish government's proposals to privatise semi-State 2 companies, including the CIE companies in which the majority of the Association's members in Ireland 3 work. 4 This proposal is a combination of the failed neo-liberal agenda of the Fianna Fáil and now defunct 5 Progressive Democrat parties and the Government's short-sighted policy of using revenues raised by the 6 fire sale of these companies to reduce the national debt which was caused in the main by the banking 7 crisis. 8 Conference calls on the EC to request the Irish Committee to oppose such a sale of State assets 9 by all means possible and instead to call for these companies to be used to help lead economic recovery 10 in Ireland.
Cork
22. EC Motion on the Economy
1 The EC will be issuing a special circular to Branches in April 2011, at which time Branches will be 2 advised of the terms of the EC motion.
Executive Committee
23. Access to Work
1 That this Conference is concerned about the severe limitations now being placed on disabled employees 2 by the recent changes in Access to Work commencing on 1 October 2010. The great majority of funding 3 for 'physical adjustments' such as equipment, telephony and adaptations to buildings and similar will no 4 longer be provided. The cost will now be the sole responsibility of employers. These changes mean 5 Access to Work will only cover support workers, transport costs and 'highly specialised equipment' and 6 will not pay for special chairs, desks and IT equipment. 7 Conference calls on the EC to lobby the Government: 8 (a) to overturn the new funding regulations and reinstate them to at least their previous level, and 9 (b) for a full Equality Impact Assessment involving consultation with disabled people and the groups 10 representing them on the changes outlined above.
Disability Working Group
24. Disabled people and the cuts
1 That this Conference recognises that disabled people will suffer disproportionately through the public 2 spending cuts. Directly through continued attacks on Disability Living Allowance and other disability 3 benefits and on other supports such as Housing Benefit on which disabled people rely. They will also 4 suffer indirectly, through job cuts, a tougher employment market, cuts in services and in other ways. 5 Government has chosen to target the poorest and most disadvantaged people in society to pay for its 6 fiscal deficit reduction plans. At the same time it has set out a series of steps that will cut the likelihood 7 of economic growth 8 Conference calls on the EC to: 9 (a) oppose welfare benefits, health and social care cuts which impact on disabled people and carers 10 and write to the Work and Pensions Secretary; 11 (b) oppose cuts in funding for programmes that help disabled people gain and sustain employment; 12 (c) actively seek to build links and understanding with disabled people, carers and groups who 13 traditionally take no part in trade union led activity and campaigns with a view to joint working, and 14 (d) raise awareness through Divisional Councils, Branches, SOGs and Reps about the impact of 15 cuts on disabled members and the impact on the services needed by disabled people to enable 16 them to live independent lives.
Disability Working Group
25. Young Workers and the Cuts
1 That this Conference notes: 2 (a) the devastating cuts to services, jobs, pay and conditions being imposed by the Coalition 3 government; 4 (b) the structural discrimination suffered by young workers such as the lower national minimum wage 5 rate and lower statutory redundancy pay rate, and 6 (c) that education and training is one of the sectors facing the largest cuts of all and much higher 7 fees are being introduced. 8 Conference believes that: 9 (i) the cuts will have a disproportionate negative impact on young people early in their career, with 10 longer hours, worse conditions, less training and development and no prospect of retirement to 11 look forward to; 12 (ii) sacrificing the pay, conditions and jobs of young workers is no way to defend those of older 13 workers, and 14 (iii) keeping and extending existing protections is a positive way to defend young workers and 15 dissuade employers and the Government from making cuts. 16 Conference resolves to campaign for equal and fair treatment for all workers regardless of their age, 17 gender, race, sexuality, disability, religious views, country of origin or any other factors. Conference 18 believes this principle should form the basis of the Association's position on pay, policy and redundancy 19 negotiations with employers.
futureTSSA
Amendment - To delete "notes" in line 1 and substitute "condemns". To delete all between second "and" in line 6 and "Conference" in line 8 and substitute "the massive hikes in tuition fees that are being introduced will have a completely disproportionate effect on students from poorer families.". To insert between "cuts." in line 15 and "Conference" in line 16 new paragraph: "Conference recognises and applauds the stand taken by many thousands of students, teachers and lecturers who took to the streets in protest at the Government's attempts to make education selective and elitist.".
Southeastern Metro
26. Public Services
1 That this Conference is concerned at the level of cutbacks being imposed by the public services as a 2 result of decisions being made by the Coalition government. Large numbers of staff are being thrown out 3 of work with little prospect of re-employment. 4 Conference considers that all trade unions should actively campaign together to protect jobs and 5 pensions. 6 Conference instructs the EC to bring the terms of this motion to the attention of the TUC, Labour Party 7 and all other interested bodies.
London SE & Sussex
Amendment - To insert between "together" and "to" in line 4 "and with other groups affected by the cuts".
Disability Working Group
27. Economy
1 That this Conference is concerned that this country was almost brought to the brink of bankruptcy by 2 the irresponsibility of financial institutions in general and banks in particular which resulted in the Labour 3 government stepping in to ensure some financial stability. However, these banks do not appear to the 4 general public to have learnt any lessons by paying out large bonuses to a few selected employees. 5 The Coalition government appears reluctant to legislate against these banks to ensure this does not 6 happen again and Conference is concerned that the ordinary employee and citizen is paying a heavy 7 price for that financial debt created by those financial institutions. 8 Conference calls upon the EC to bring the terms of this motion to the attention of all relevant parties.
London NW Retired
28. Economy
1 That this Conference notes that non-payment of UK tax, either by avoidance or evasion, costs the 2 UK economy approximately fifteen times more than alleged deceits in benefit claims. 3 Conference believes all individual and corporate beneficiaries of UK services and infrastructure are 4 liable to taxation on a progressive or 'graduated' scale, with advantageous allowances or exemptions 5 for those in need, such as those with pensions as a sole income, youths, the unemployed, individuals 6 with a recognised disability and/or having care duties. 7 Conference calls upon the EC to solicit from each Government in the UK with tax raising powers and 8 from relevant opposition parties, their stances on tax evasion and avoidance, to publish those replies and 9 any evasions in the Association's media and to secure TUC co-operation for a national objective to make 10 tax fairer. Conference instructs the EC to advise 2012 Annual Conference on its progress with obtaining 11 those replies and its proposal for further actions in respect of this matter.
London South Western & Middx
29. Economy
1 That this Conference abhors the decision of all major western economies to waste the funds of 2 ordinary people in bailing our irresponsible and unscrupulous financial companies after their disastrous 3 business activities in recent years. 4 Conference further notes these actions have amounted to the largest transfer of funds from poor 5 people to the already super-rich in over a century and has been conducted not once but in two tranches 6 and with every incentive to encourage these financial institutions to go on behaving in the same way with 7 the possibility that further crises will arise and bailouts will be required in future. 8 Conference therefore instructs the EC to submit a motion to the TUC that the Unity Trust Bank and other 9 major responsible banks e.g. the Co-operative Bank, be vigorously promoted to provide ordinary financial 10 services to ordinary people. This would enable millions of ordinary citizens to withdraw from the major 11 high street banks, thereby removing any reason to rescue them next time they behave stupidly.
Yorkshire Retired
30. Bonus Systems
1 That this Conference recognises the history of excessive bonuses given to executives and the 2 unfairness this creates in the workplace. 3 Conference urges the EC to press for transparent and equitable bonus systems for all employees in an 4 organisation and to ask the TUC to develop a common, equitable, fair definition of a bonus system that 5 can then be incorporated into national and international employment standards e.g. International 6 Standards of Organisation and Investors in People.
Network Rail North London
31. Right To Work
1 That this Conference believes that there is a need to support workers whose jobs and working conditions 2 are threatened by the cuts in spending imposed by the Government. 3 Conference agrees that the Right to Work campaign will be crucial in mobilising resistance against the 4 neo-liberal agenda that seeks to make workers pay for the financial crisis. 5 Conference instructs the EC to affiliate to the Right to Work campaign to add support to Emergency 6 Item E10 carried at the 2010 Annual Conference which urged direct participation in Right to Work 7 protests.
Network Rail Yorkshire
32. Equality
1 That this Conference calls on the EC to raise awareness at every opportunity to the way in which 2 equality rights are attacked as women are disproportionately affected and impoverished by the Coalition 3 government's draconian and ideologically led public spending review.
Women in Focus
Amendment - To insert between "women" and "are" in line 2 ", especially disabled women,".
Lancs & Cumbria General
33. Telephone Charging
1 That this Conference expresses concern at the increasing number of firms, organisations, Government 2 departments and particularly utility organisations using non-geographical numbers which are charged at 3 a higher rate rather than a local rate. Conference notes that people most affected are pensioners 4 and other low income groups.
London NW Retired
Amendments - A. To delete "and particularly" in line 2 and substitute ",". To insert between "organisations" and "using" in line 2 "and particularly railway companies".
Euston
B. To insert between second "rate" and ". Conference" in line 3 "and are excluded from inclusive call bundles".
ATOS Origin East
34. Privatisation
1 That this Conference is concerned that the right wing organisation Adam Smith Institute is actively 2 campaigning for the Coalition government to sell off all remaining public bodies. Already this Coalition 3 government has announced the selling of the Royal Mail which is opposed by the general Labour 4 movement. 5 Conference believes the trade unions should fight these proposals with all their might as privatisation 6 of British industries has benefited overseas investors to such an extent that 'UK Limited' is now virtually 7 owned by the rest of the world. There is clear evidence that privatisation of our public bodies has meant 8 a loss of jobs and closure of retail outlets, with businesses relocated or owned overseas in the belief 9 that profit comes first. 10 Conference calls upon the EC to bring the terms of this motion to the attention of the TUC and 11 Labour Party.
London & S.E. Retired
35. Trades Union Councils
1 That this Conference congratulates Trades Union Councils for being in the forefront of the campaign 2 against the Government's cuts as announced in its Spending Review. Conference notes that Trades 3 Councils have deep links within the community and continue to play an important part against racism 4 and promoting trade unionism. 5 Conference agrees that it is important to encourage more Branches to affiliate to Trades Councils and 6 to get engaged in their activities. Conference calls on the EC to encourage members and the 7 Association's staff to promote Trades Councils at Branch meetings.
Anglia No.1
Amendment - To delete all between "members" in line 6 and "to" in line 7.
Euston
36. Trade Union Legislation
1 That this Conference deplores the anti trade union laws that make balloting union members a legal 2 minefield. This has been highlighted in the recent Court case where British Airways took Unite to Court 3 and also in the LUL dispute, where to order a legal ballot meant wading through that legal minefield, 4 pushing union resources to the limit. 5 Conference asks the EC to look at ways of highlighting these biased and highly complex anti trade 6 union laws around balloting union members and the possibility of utilising the Campaigns Committee to 7 help with trying to achieve some sort of level playing field.
London Met
37. Trade Union Legislation
1 That this Conference is concerned that a Labour government failed to reform any of the previous 2 Conservative governments' anti trade union legislation, with the result that trade unions are now facing 3 further anti trade union laws from this Coalition government which will make this country the most 4 restrictive in the western world. 5 Conference calls upon the EC to forcedly bring the terms of this motion to the attention of the TUC 6 and Labour Party.
London NW General
Amendments - A. To delete all between second "that" and "the" in line 1 and substitute "the Labour government did not go far enough in reforming". To delete all between "legislation" and "trade" in line 2 and substitute ".". To delete "forcedly" in line 5.
Lancs & Cumbria General
B. To delete "any of" in line 1. To insert between "and" and "Labour" in line 6 "for the". To add at end "to adopt early repeal of all anti trade union legislation".
London S.E. & Sussex
38. Fairtrade
1 That this Conference notes the tremendous interest in Fairtrade by employers, trade unions, community 2 organisations and the rapid increase in the number of Fairtrade towns since the first one was established 3 in 2000. The Association is proud of its support for the Fairtrade movement and calls upon the EC to 4 encourage Branches to ask members to become involved in local Fairtrade activities.
London Bus Operators
39. UK Immigration
1 That this Conference notes the intention of the Coalition government to introduce an annual limit on the 2 numbers of non-EU migrants allowed to work in the UK. 3 Conference is aware of the contribution that skilled migrant workers have made to the UK economy 4 over centuries, contributing significantly to the wealth of the UK. Unskilled migrant workers have 5 similarly contributed, having entered under previous Home Office policies and must be allowed to stay 6 without retrospective application of any new law. Any such law would seek to blame migrant workers for 7 economic problems that are nothing to do with them. 8 Conference notes that the Institute for Public Policy has criticised the proposal for a cap on migrants as 9 a likely 'political own-goal' as it overstates the power of Government to limit immigration. Conference 10 therefore calls upon the EC to challenge, in every way they can, the unrepresentative and dishonest 11 Coalition government on the issue of the cap on non-EU migrants and instructs them to consider using one 12 of the Association's motions to the TUC to raise the issue in the wider labour movement.
Euston
40. Environment
1 That this Conference notes that the agreements reached at Cancun in December 2010, even if fully 2 implemented, are grossly inadequate to prevent a level of global warming that would be disastrous 3 for many of the world's poor. Conference notes that the reports of positive outcomes from this summit 4 are 'greenwash' promoted by big business and the governments of the wealthy nations to mask the 5 failure to address the need for radical action. 6 Conference calls on the Government and the Labour Party to commit Britain to a position in future 7 negotiations that recognises the contribution of the rich nations to the increasing likelihood and scale of 8 humanitarian catastrophes related to climate change. Britain's negotiating position, both independently 9 and as part of the EU, should be that further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by the biggest 10 polluting countries are needed, as well as significantly greater contribution from the rich countries to 11 support sustainable development in poorer countries so they do not follow the same high-emissions 12 routes to growth. 13 Conference reiterates the Association's support for the call for a million climate jobs by the 14 Campaign against Climate Change and instructs the EC to redouble its efforts to support and promote 15 this campaign, with encouragement to Branches and Divisional Councils to affiliate and take part in local 16 campaign events.
TfL Central
Amendment - To add at end new paragraph: "Conference further notes that the short-term public victory in temporarily halting the privatisation and sell-off of the UK national forests by the ConDem government. Privatisation of our woodlands would be both an abuse of UK citizens rights with implications for access, as well as potentially disastrous for the climate. Conference asks the EC to work with the Association's Green Group and national campaigns to make sure this is fully reversed.".
Women in Focus
Point of Information: The Association's Green Group is a TSSA staff/employer working party
41. Energy Conservation
1 That this Conference is concerned by the loss of heat caused by multiple units with doors opening 2 directly into carriages standing at stations with doors wide open. This not only wastes energy, but also 3 causes discomfort to passengers, especially in cold weather. 4 Conference instructs the EC to campaign vigorously for all multiple units, other than those with 5 vestibules, to be modified with time switches to close the doors as soon as passengers have boarded 6 or alighted.
West Midlands Technical
42. Climate Displacement
1 That this Conference notes that around the world, women are the guardians of natural resources, 2 collecting food, water and fuel for their families. Women in the poorest communities who often have 3 less access to land or water will be hit the hardest when the full impacts of environmental damage from 4 climate change are felt. A staggering 20m of the 26m people currently estimated to be displaced by 5 climate change are female. This situation is exacerbated by the bio-fuels industries' global requisitioning 6 of land in unprecedented quantities. 7 Conference asks the EC to join and publicise climate justice campaigns on land use and abuse, including 8 Bio-fuels Watch, which monitors global abuses.
Women in Focus
43. Colombia - Trade Agreement with EU
1 That this Conference, in view of the appalling human rights record, especially against trade unionists 2 of successive Colombian governments, deplores the decision by the EU Commission to agree the 3 Generalised System of Preferences Trade Agreement with that country. 4 Conference calls on the EC to lobby British MEPs and requests the Irish Committee to lobby Irish 5 MEPs to vote against this Agreement when it is put before the European Parliament for ratification. 6 Conference also calls upon the EC and requests the Irish Committee to do likewise with MPs and 7 TDs should this Agreement be put before national Parliaments for their approval.
Cork
Amendment - To insert between "governments," and "deplores" in line 2 "another brother of Carmen Mayusa, who visited the 2009 Annual Conference, was murdered this year,". To add at end "Conference also expresses concern over the USA military escalation of bases and weapons in Colombia.".
Network Rail North London
44. Poverty in Africa
1 That this Conference is deeply concerned that non-African countries are either buying or leasing, on a 2 long-term basis, land in Africa for growing food and bio-fuel crops which is to be consumed in their own 3 countries. Those countries are not just acquiring Africa's land, but are securing themselves the equivalent 4 of hundreds of millions of gallons of scarce water per year. 5 Conference notes that well structured African land exchange deals could guarantee employment, better 6 infrastructures and better crop yields. However, if badly handled they could cause great harm, especially 7 if local people are excluded from decisions about allocating land and if their land rights are not 8 protected. 9 Conference believes that water will be the defining resource of the next 100 years and that this is the 10 new 21st century colonisation. Conference therefore calls on the EC to use all means possible to stop unfair 11 systems being imposed on the people of Africa.
E-mix
45. Palestine
1 That this Conference congratulates the EC for its overwhelming support and success in passing 2 composite motion C18 on Palestine at the 2010 TUC, moved by the TSSA President. The motion 3 condemned the deadly attack on the humanitarian aid ships to Gaza in May 2010 and supported the 4 Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions' condemnation of the Histradut's support for the attack 5 and called instead for an immediate end to the blockade and an independent inquiry into the attack. 6 The motion called for the General Council of the TUC to work closely with the Palestine Solidarity 7 Campaign to actively encourage affiliated organisations and also employers and pension funds, to disinvest 8 from, and boycott the goods of companies who profit from illegal settlements, the Occupation and the 9 construction of the Wall. The motion also called on the UK government and the EU to take much 10 stronger political steps to ensure Israel abides by UN resolutions. The British government especially has 11 resisted applying meaningful pressure on the Israeli government to negotiate an effective independent 12 and secure state for the Palestinians. The TUC General Council will provide reports of ongoing progress 13 with these campaigns. Conference is pleased that the Association took the lead in this debate and urges 14 the EC to press the TUC General Council to instigate the processes they agreed to. 15 Conference also praises the General Secretary for his speech on Palestine at a TUC fringe meeting 16 and welcomes his offer to visit the Occupied Territories in the near future.
South Eastern (Kent)
46. EC Motion on Report and Financial Statements
1 That this Conference adopts the Report and Financial Statements for 2010.
Executive Committee
47. EC Motion on Appointment of Auditors
1 That this Conference endorses the EC's recommendation for the appointment of Auditors.
Executive Committee
48. TSSA Financial Position
1 That this Conference is deeply concerned at the current state of the Association's financial position, the 2 continuing decrease in membership and the threat that these pose to the future of the Association. 3 Conference instructs the EC to issue a report to members no later than 1 November 2011, setting out 4 a realistic strategy with targets and dates in order to ensure that the Association has a sound financial 5 base to secure its future. 6 Conference calls for a major part of the review to propose a comprehensive strategy for effective 7 recruitment of new members. In an organising union, Branches, reps and activists take on as much 8 recruitment as they can, but results show that a co-ordinated strategy is required and long overdue.
Underground Infrastructure
49. TSSA Rates of Subscription
1 That this Conference notes that with membership subscriptions continually increasing beyond inflation, 2 there is now extreme difficulty in recruiting new members and retaining current levels of membership in the 3 travel trade which is traditionally poorly paid. 4 Conference therefore instructs the EC to investigate the introduction of a sliding scale of membership 5 subscriptions based on the earnings of members. If the investigation proves that a sliding scale of 6 membership is beneficial then this policy is to be implemented at the earliest opportunity.
South Yorkshire
Amendment - To delete all between "membership" in line 2 and "Conference" in line 4 and substitute ", particularly where many of the Association's members are poorly paid.". To delete all after "members" in line 5 and substitute ", as union membership should be affordable to all".
Crewe & Cheshire General
50. TSSA Political Fund
1 That this Conference recognises the importance of the Association's Political Fund for electoral 2 campaigning in support of the Labour Party and affiliation to Constituency Labour Parties. Conference 3 notes that Branches can also use their political fund in other ways to support Labour Party and the 4 Association's policies. 5 Conference calls upon the EC to ask Branches to consider using their political fund to promote 6 Labour Party and Association policy, as appropriate, through the use of adverts in the local press, leaflets 7 for distribution in the community, relevant magazines and any other way that helps to promote the TSSA 8 and our political objectives.
Anglia No.1
Amendment - To delete "and" in line 2 and substitute ", however, mindful of the carrying of many related motions at previous Annual Conferences, in particular Item 62 on Labour Party Funding in 2008 and Item 48 on the Labour Party in 2010, funding will only be provided for". To insert between "Parties" and ". Conference" in line 2 "where those bodies and their electoral candidates support the restoration of the railways to public ownership."
South Eastern (Kent)
Item 62 carried at 2008 Annual Conference read as follows: That this Conference congratulates the EC on its decision to restrict funding for the Scottish Labour Party's election campaign until an undertaking was received on the Party's commitment to bring rail services back into public ownership. Conferences believes that any funding from the Association over and above the mandatory affiliation fees should be directly linked to a commitment from the Labour Party to implement democratically agreed Labour Party policies. This principle should be adopted for all future funding appeals from the Labour Party. Conference instructs the EC to observe the terms of this motion forthwith, and until such time as this principle is expressly changed by the Association's Annual Conference.
51. TSSA Awards
1 That this Conference proposes that the Association recognise the long service of all its members, be 2 they active or not, by the provision of long service badges, in addition to long service awards made to 3 active members of the Association. 4 Conference therefore requests the EC to undertake a feasibility study and report back its findings to 5 2012 Annual Conference.
Brighton
Amendment - To delete all between "recognise" in line 1 and "awards" in line 2 and substitute "continuous long membership by the provision of 25 years membership badges, in addition to existing".
London S.E. & Sussex
52. TSSA Membership
1 That this Conference requests that in line with previous assurances given, existing members are 2 notified if it is thought necessary to transfer them from one Branch to another. Prior to any transfer of 3 members, the member concerned shall be given the opportunity to remain in their existing Branch or 4 transfer to another suitable Branch should they wish to do so.
Anglia No.3
Amendment - To delete all after "another." in line 2.
Medway
53. TSSA Membership
1 That this Conference supports the principle of Branches catering for members who have retired from 2 industries entitling them to membership of the Association. Conference recognises that such members 3 wish to continue their commitment to improving the life of both fellow retired and current members still in 4 employment and recognises that their subscriptions represent a not-insignificant financial contribution 5 towards the running of the Association. 6 Conference also believes that members retiring from full or part time employment should be encouraged 7 to remain in membership and play an active role in a Retired Members' Branch of their choice and calls 8 on the EC to support this principle.
Yorkshire Retired
Amendments - A. To insert between "retired" and "from" in line 1 "or been made redundant". To insert between "retiring" and "from" in line 6 "or being made redundant". To delete "a Retired Members'" in line 7 and substitute "an appropriate".
ATOS Origin East
B. To delete "of their choice" in line 7 and substitute "in their residential area". To add at end new paragraph: "Conference also instructs the EC to ensure that all Branches in the area covered by a Retired Members' Branch are advised of the dates, times and venues of Retired Members' Branch meetings.".
Lancs & Cumbria Retired
54. TSSA Organisation
1 That this Conference is concerned over the cost of maintaining and occupying Walkden House to 2 undertake administrative functions in central London. 3 Conference considers that with modern communications and transport links many functions could be 4 moved to other locations where more up-to-date facilities would be available at a lower cost. 5 Conference instructs the EC to review with the General Secretary what functions need to be undertaken 6 in central London and to report to the 2012 Annual Conference.
Derby & East Midlands
55. TSSA Organisation
1 That this Conference notes that much has been said about the problems of the parallel universe of 2 reps and Branch activists, but little has been done to rectify this. Many have taken a polarised position 3 seeing only bad in the other 'side' when the issue is far more widespread than that, with weaknesses 4 in all parts of the Association's structures. Reps may have little contact with Branches and vice versa. 5 Divisional Councils are, in some cases, not managing to assist the Branches as is their role. Company 6 reps are not always getting involved within the Branch structure. It paints a fragmented picture with the 7 various factions cocooned in their own little bubble with a significant lack of communication. 8 Conference agrees that the Association needs to urgently look at ways of addressing this. Branch 9 meetings need to be informative, flexible and relevant. Both reps and Branches need easy access to 10 contact details for the other: reps/company and Officers/Branch. Reps should be actively encouraged 11 to get involved in Branch and Divisional matters and equally Branch officials should be reporting on what 12 is happening in their companies. TSSA staff used to be allocated to work with a Divisional Council and 13 the loss of this has probably added to the deterioration. This issue needs further consideration and 14 appropriate action. 15 Conference is of the view that where a specific problem is known then those who can should help with 16 the solution, review good practices from elsewhere and apply them as appropriate. 17 Conference agrees that the Association has to be realistic. The days of a few members no longer in 18 the workplace holding Branch meetings to decide the democracy of this Association must be addressed. 19 The Association must be progressive, be prepared to adapt to new methods of communicating and, in 20 some cases, holding Branch meetings. The EC should receive regular reports of problems and options 21 for their resolution and should be much more proactive and involved in offering solutions. 22 It is the view of Conference that goodwill from reps, Branches, Divisional Councils, the EC and TSSA 23 staff is essential if we are to improve and improvement is paramount if the Association is to survive. The 24 EC are asked to note the terms of this motion and act accordingly.
Southeastern Metro
Amendment - To insert between "companies." and "TSSA" in line 12 "Reps should be nominated and elected at Branch Meetings to join the two groups of members together for their mutual benefit."
Anglia No.2
56. TSSA Organisation
1 That this Conference notes the sad demise of the Jarvis Group in 2010 with the loss of employment 2 for hundreds of Association members. 3 The sudden closure of the Jarvis Group brought to light a number of deficiencies within the 4 Association's processes that added to the members' distress, including the immediate cancellation of 5 Association membership. Whilst this was rectified by the EC under Rule 31(a) and the members 6 reinstated at nil subscription, for a period of time those members were left feeling abandoned by the 7 Association at the time they needed its support the most. 8 In the current economic climate it is highly probable that other companies in which the Association 9 has members will find themselves in a similar situation. Conference therefore calls upon the EC to put 10 in place a contingency plan which includes: 11 (a) immediate support and guidance to members affected in a similar situation using lessons learned 12 from Jarvis; 13 (b) dissemination of information on members' rights with regards to travel facilities, pensions etc., 14 and 15 (c) an action plan to ensure commitment of resources to the raising of awareness in the media and 16 the political arena in conjunction with other trades unions affected. 17 Any such contingency plan must build in sensitivity to the members' immediate and future needs.
Yorkshire North
57. TSSA Communications
1 That this Conference is aware of the lack of progress regarding an electronic communications system 2 that the Association urgently requires. Financial returns from Branch Financial Secretaries and circulars 3 to Branch Secretaries are just two examples where electronic delivery would be so much more efficient 4 and cost effective than the postal system. 5 Conference notes that the EC has been attempting to bring an all-embracing computerised 6 communications system online for several years, forming a special working party to achieve this aim. 7 Unfortunately this has not as yet materialised. 8 Conference instructs the EC to provide the membership with a concise report, indicating the progress to 9 date and provide a timescale when this electronic communications system will be achieved.
Network Rail West Midlands
58. TSSA Ageism
1 That this Conference instructs the EC to implement the aims of Item 65 carried at 2006 Annual 2 Conference.
South Wales & Western Retired
Item 65 (2006 AC) reads as follows:
"That this Conference recognises that there is an element of ageism within the Association. Conference
instructs the EC to take all necessary steps to eliminate this situation."
59. TSSA Reps
1 That this Conference recognises that many members only consider that their local rep is the face of 2 the Association and that the dedication and commitment of all local reps, day in, day out, in the workplace 3 is the biggest and best advertisement the Association has for encouraging new members to join. 4 Conference, however, also recognises that reps are increasingly facing intimidation from hostile 5 managements such as withdrawing facilities, excluding reps from meetings and threats of redundancy 6 and disciplinary action for just carrying out their legitimate role. These actions are a direct attack upon 7 trade unions and their members and are designed to destroy their effectiveness in the workplace. 8 Conference is also concerned about the effect this kind of intimidation has on the health of reps in 9 general and the level of stress related sickness in particular. 10 Conference therefore calls upon the EC to carry out an in-depth survey of reps to establish the extent 11 of the problem of reps suffering stress related conditions and to examine ways of providing them with 12 more help, support and reassurance.
Underground No.1
Amendment - To delete "calls upon" in line 10 and substitute "instructs". To insert between second "to" and "establish" in line 10 "compile statistical data and present this to the 2012 Annual Conference to". To add at end "to ensure that the situation can be addressed".
Crewe & Cheshire General
60. TSSA/Trade Union Co-operation
1 That this Conference in the light of recent experiences with LUL and the positive side effects of inter union 2 co-operation, instructs the EC to explore all possibilities of working both regionally and nationally alongside 3 other transport orientated unions to obtain the best results for the Association's members.
Lancs & Cumbria General
Amendments - A. To delete "with" in line 1 and substitute "of effective co-operation with the RMT and other unions on the railway pensions campaign and disputes in Network Rail and".TfL Central
B. To insert between "unions" and "to" in line 3 ". This could include the possibility of a merger,".
Yorkshire Ridings TOC
61. TSSA General Secretary
1 That this Conference notes and expresses its deep concern that the General Secretary refused to attend 2 the Weekend School held in November 2010 and organised by the Scotland Divisional Council. 3 Conference reminds the General Secretary that his salary and benefits arise directly from the contributions 4 of the Association's members.
Scotland South West TOCs
Amendment - To add at end "Conference requests an explanation as to how this situation arose.".
Anglia No.2
62. TSSA Campaigning
1 That this Conference congratulates the EC on its efforts to raise the campaigning activities and profile 2 of the Association. Conference, in particular, welcomes the EC's decisions to initiate a Campaigns 3 Committee and to set up a two person Community Organising Team. 4 Conference recognises that the Coalition government's cuts agenda is part of an ideological attack 5 which is against the interests of the mass of the British people. Conference agrees that maximising unity 6 and the level of organisation are needed to defeat these attacks, made on behalf of the rich and 7 powerful. 8 Conference urges the EC to continue this struggle by: 9 (a) drawing Association members into resisting the cuts to public transport and also those made 10 across the full social spectrum of health, education, housing and social services; 11 (b) participating in non-violent resistance activities in conjunction with others such as trade unions, 12 trades councils, the People's Charter, the Coalition of Resistance and local community 13 organisations, and 14 (c) arguing within the Labour Party for progressive policies such as investing in infrastructure rather 15 than following a variation of the Coalition government's cuts agenda.
Network Rail North London
63. EC Motion on the Renewal of TSSA Democratic Procedures
1 That this Conference endorses the EC's report.
Executive Committee
Amendments - A. To delete "endorses" in line 1 (of motion) and substitute "notes". To add at end new paragraph: "Conference regrets that the EC did not include Chairs and Secretaries of general Branches covering Infrastructure and TOC members, nor Divisional Council Chairs and Secretaries in the consultation on 23/24 September 2010. This resulted in the consultation not covering all Infra- structure and TOC members, nor the members in other sectors who may be affected by the proposals affecting Divisional Councils. Conference instructs the EC to ensure that any similar consultation in the future is fully representative.".
Derby & East Midlands
B. To delete "endorses" in line 1 (of motion) and substitute "notes".
Yorkshire Retired
C. To insert between "endorses" and "the" in line 1 (of motion) "Sections 2, 5 and 6 of". To add at end (of motion) "but notes that: (a) Network Rail has recently announced plans to restructure radically, and (b) the EC has agreed to look at possibilities of merger with another trade union. Conference therefore believes that plans for significant restructuring of the Association, as in Section 3 of the Report, should be put on hold until the union's future, as well as the future of the railways infrastructure companies, emerge more clearly. Internal restructuring now would be confusing, potentially redundant and unnecessarily costly. Similarly, Conference believes that rewriting of the Association's Rule Book, as in Section 4 of the Report, is premature and unnecessarily costly for the same reasons and should be put on hold. Conference therefore instructs the EC to act accordingly.".
Yorkshire North
D. To add at end (of motion) "subject to the following considerations: "Conference instructs the EC to continue implementing the improvements to democracy and democratic accountability detailed in Section 2 of the Report and to continue developing the ideas covered in Sections 5 and 6. Given the Association's financial position and the possibility of having to merge with another trade union, Conference instructs the EC to leave on hold the plans in Section 3 of the Report for structural changes to the EC until decisions about a possible merger have been made, and while Network Rail itself decides on its future structure. Conference, furthermore, calls on the EC to delay plans, detailed in Section 4, to rewrite the Rule Book.
Anglia No.1
E. To add at end (of motion) "subject to inclusion of the following amendments:" To delete all between "today." in line 62 and "2." in line 65 and substitute "TSSA's independence is under review; failure to grow 'organically' may force the Association into a closer arrangement with another body.". To delete all between "Euston." in line 552 and "The" in line 560 and substitute "Accessible facilities complying with delegates and Conference Agenda requirements could be advance-booked at reasonable prices in inner London.". To delete "Using" in line 565 and substitute "Assuming the Association retains a major London office, using".
London South Western & Middx
F. To add at end (of motion) "subject to inclusion of the following amendments: To delete all between "website." in line 128 and "Annual" in line 136 and substitute "The EC will publish on the website notes of EC discussions and decisions except where this would compromise the personal privacy of members or others.". To insert between "venue." in line 568 and "6" in line 569 new paragraph: "Conclusions The EC will continue to assess the feasibility, desirability and costs of alternative arrangements for Annual Conference and, if changes are appropriate, present a report with recommendations to the 2012 Annual Conference. In planning future Conferences and national seminars, the EC will promote travel options that seek to reduce the Association's environmental impact.".
TfL Central
64. Rule Alteration
Preface: To permit elected representatives to attend and vote at Divisional Council meetings. Rule 10 - Divisional Councils 1 To add at end new clause (q) 2 "Elected representatives shall be entitled by reason of their office and without further election to attend 3 their respective Divisional Council meetings, and to speak and vote on all matters at such meetings as if 4 they were delegates (save that only delegates may vote in the case of a card vote under Rule 10(j))."
Executive Committee
Amendments - A. To delete "and vote at" in the preface. To delete "and vote" in line 3 (of motion). To delete all after first "delegates" in line 4.
South Eastern (Kent)
B. To delete "and vote" in line 3. To delete all after first "delegates" in line 4.
Underground No.1
65. Rule Alteration
Preface: To remove the prohibition in Rule 47(d) on "no further literature after call for nominations". Rule 47 Elections - General Rules Rule 9 Clause (f) 1 To insert "and" between "(c)" and "(d)" and delete "and (e)" in line 1. Rule 47 Clause (d) 2 To delete clause (d) including heading and re-letter remaining clauses accordingly. Rule 48 Clause (d) (2) 3 To delete "(e)" in line 1 and substitute "(d)". Rule 50 Clause (a) 4 To delete "(g)" in line 1 and substitute "(f)".
Executive Committee
Amendment - Rule 47: Elections - General Rules To delete "remove" (of preface) and substitute "liberalise". To add at end (of preface) "and to ensure a level playing field for all potential or actual nominees or candidates". To delete all after "delete" in line 2 (of motion) and substitute "existing clause (d) and substitute: "(d) After the close of nominations no literature or documentation of any type from any source which seeks directly to promote the interests of any potential or actual nominee or candidate may be published or distributed by any means whatsoever. No official TSSA publications (at union, national, local, Divisional Council, Branch and workplace level) and no members of TSSA staff in the conduct of their duties may demonstrate any partiality towards any potential or actual nominee or candidate, and particular care must be applied in this regard after the call for nominations. No past or present holder of any TSSA office may use privileged information or records (e.g. membership records) obtained as a result of holding that office to publish or disseminate any literature or documentation of any type which seeks directly to promote the interests of any potential or actual nominee or candidate. In the event of any breach of this rule, the Executive Committee may disqualify the potential or actual nominee or candidate from the election, or order the election to be held again with such fresh dates as to nominations and close of voting as the Executive Committee directs.".
Yorkshire North
66. Rule Alteration
Preface: to give effect to the new EC structure re: Network Rail/Infrastructure. Rule 49 - Election of President, Treasurer and Executive Committee Clause (a) 1 To add at end new paragraphs: 2 "Members in Network Rail/Infrastructure shall comprise an electoral district in respect of two members 3 of the Executive Committee, and the constituencies for those two seats shall be respectively management 4 grades and non-management grades. Network Rail/Infrastructure shall include members working for: 5 Network Rail; the infrastructure companies involved in track maintenance, renewals, signalling and 6 telecommunications; the specialist designers, consultants, suppliers and other organisations that depend on 7 Network Rail for their work. 8 The question of whether a member falls within the Network Rail/Infrastructure electoral district shall in 9 the event of doubt be determined by the Executive Committee." Clause (g) 10 To add at end "Members in the Network Rail/Infrastructure electoral district may not vote for any other 11 electoral district Executive Committee Representative. Members in the London Transport electoral district 12 may not vote for any other electoral district Executive Committee Representative." Clause (i) 13 To delete existing clause (i) and substitute: 14 "(i) "The Executive Committee shall comprise one member representing each of the electoral districts 15 shown in the table below (save for Network Rail/Infrastructure, which shall be represented by 16 two members). Each member shall be elected and retire in accordance with the table. 17 Elections in 2011 for: 18 Network Rail/Infrastructure (two members) 19 North East 20 London South 21 Elections in 2012 and every third year thereafter for: 22 Anglia & London North East 23 Midlands 24 Lancs & Cumbria 25 South Wales & Western 26 Elections in 2013 and every third year thereafter for: 27 Scotland 28 London North West 29 North East 30 London South 31 Elections in 2014 and every third year thereafter for: 32 Network Rail/Infrastructure (two members) 33 London Transport 34 Irish 35 Liverpool North Wales and Cheshire". 36 To add at end new Clause: 47 "(p) Transitional Provisions 38 This Rule 49(p) shall have effect until the results of the Executive Committee elections in 39 2011 are announced. 40 Whilst this Rule 49(p) has effect, the Executive Committee may include members from the 41 former electoral districts of Yorkshire, Northumberland & Durham, London South West and 42 London South East (together "the former electoral districts"). 43 In 2011 Executive Committee members from the former electoral districts may stand for 44 re-election (if they wish to do so and subject to nomination and the other provisions of these 45 Rules) in the new electoral district in which their branch then falls. 46 Rule 49(l) shall not apply to casual vacancies arising in respect of any Executive Committee 47 member(s) in the former electoral districts. 48 In relation to the elections in 2011, the dates specified in this Rule 49 (d,) (e), (f) and (h) may 49 be modified at the discretion of the Executive Committee."
Executive Committee
Amendment - Rule 49: Election of President, Treasurer and Executive Committee To delete "district" in line 2 and substitute "sector". To delete "district" in line 8 and substitute "sector". To delete "district" in line 10 and substitute "sector". To delete "other" in line 10. To insert between "Representative." and "Members" in line 11 "Branches having members in the Network Rail/Infrastructure electoral sector shall be part of the electoral district where the Branch is situated for the purposes of Rule 10.". To delete all between "below" in line 15 and "Each" in line 16 and substitute "and two members representing the Network Rail/Infrastructure electoral sector." To insert between "district" and "in" in line 45 "or sector". To delete all between "which" in line 45 and "Rule" in line 46 and substitute "they fall".
Derby & East Midlands
67. Transport Policy
1 That this Conference congratulates the EC on its campaign for the public ownership of the railway. As 2 a result of the campaign the issue is now on the public agenda as well as being Labour Party policy. 3 Conference, however, notes the lack of progress made to date with the realisation of the policy. It is 4 clear that there is little public understanding of what alternatives there are for a modern method of public 5 ownership, nor of how it can practically be achieved. 6 Conference calls upon the EC to establish a working group to examine different ways of structuring 7 and managing an eventual public ownership that will achieve full accountability and to develop a detailed 8 agenda for bringing public ownership of the railway to fruition. 9 Conference calls for the working group's report to be presented to 2012 Annual Conference with a view 10 to a major re-launch of public ownership as the Association's flagship campaign, backed up by clear 11 and practical arguments.
Yorkshire North
Amendment - To insert between "ownership" and "that" in line 7 ", including co-operative solutions". To add at end "Conference instructs the EC to convey the terms of this motion to the Labour Party's National Policy Review.".
Yorkshire Ridings TOC
68. Transport Policy
1 That this Conference welcomes the proposals to extend international rail services from St. Pancras 2 International to more destinations in Europe.
Paddington & Thames Valley
Amendment - To add at end "The EC is encouraged to obtain through consultation with relevant parties, appropriate fare reduction for holders of an International Authority Card.".
Staffordshire
69. Transport Policy
1 That this Conference is deeply concerned at the decline in the rail freight industry in Ireland. This has 2 led to greater numbers of heavy articulated vehicles using our roads. They congest our towns and contribute 3 to the pollution of our air and environment, adding their emissions to the greenhouse effect. 4 Conference requests that the Irish Committee engage the Governments and railway companies in the 5 North and South of Ireland to reinvest in rail freight. Conference also calls upon the Irish Committee to 6 promote rail freight to a more efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable form of freight transport.
Belfast
70. Transport Policy
1 That this Conference is appalled by the Government's decision to allow TOCs to increase train fares by 2 RPI plus 3% annually and by much more than this in South Eastern England, in order to pay for new 3 trains and infrastructure, and to reduce the taxpayer contribution for the costs of running the trains and 4 maintaining the infrastructure, especially as fare payers are also taxpayers. This has been agreed by the 5 Government even though this is an illogical contradiction to their claims to be seeking to minimise the 6 effects of climate change. This environmentally unsound policy will simply force more rail users on to 7 the roads, where motoring costs in real terms year on year, have not kept up with the increased costs of 8 rail travel and where this modal discrepancy will be increased even further. 9 Conference calls on the EC to campaign as appropriate to resist the fare rises, cuts in staffing and 10 train service levels and to seek political support from other relevant trade unions, as well as the 11 Association's membership, other campaigning organisations and commuter groups for investment in the 12 expansion of the railways without these massive fare increases and other economies.
South Eastern (Kent)
71. Transport Policy
1 That this Conference is concerned at the level of rail fare rises allowed by the Government in January 2 2011. With the TOCs making vast profits, the Government should bring procedures into place to keep 3 these rises under control. 4 The rises across all fares should be based upon the RPI for October of the previous year. With the 5 Government advocating greener policies, more families and individuals should be encouraged, not 6 discouraged, to use the railways. One way to do this would be to cap or regulate rail fares, rather than 7 allow obscene ones. 8 Conference therefore calls upon the EC to convey the terms of this motion to the TUC and DfT to raise 9 the Association's concerns at the level of fare increases.
Southern Inner
Amendment - To delete all between "should" and "of" in line 4 and substitute "not exceed the RPI for July".
Yorkshire No.1 TOC
72. Transport Policy
1 That this Conference believes that the current train fares system is far too complicated and generally 2 does not give good value for money. TOCs have too many different pricing structures and policies 3 regarding ticket restrictions, resulting in innumerable fare anomalies. Customers are advised that if they 4 book in advance they can buy cheaper tickets, yet no advance fares exist for many long distance 5 journeys. 6 Conference instructs the EC to lobby all relevant authorities in order to secure a review of the current 7 structure which will result in a fares system which meets the needs of railway passengers.
Staffordshire
73. Transport Management
1 That this Conference condemns the proposal from the Government to allow rail operating companies 2 to increase their present 7-year franchises to 15 years. 3 Conference believes this proposal needs to be fought against and calls on the EC to lobby Parliament 4 as necessary.
Medway
74. Transport Management
1 That this Conference considers that the brief tenure of office by successive Transport Secretaries is 2 disastrous to the well-being of the national transport systems and suggests that a permanent principal 3 advisor be appointed to advise the Transport Minister in the interests of continuity, so far as long-term 4 planning and development is concerned.
Lancs & Cumbria Retired
75. Transport Management
1 That this Conference is concerned that under the Public Spending Review, Bus Service Operators' 2 Grant will be cut by 20% by 2012. Formerly known as Fuel Duty Rebate, this grant offsets the cost of tax 3 on diesel in providing local bus services. 4 Conference is concerned that this cut will invariably result in a massive increase in costs to bus 5 operators, who will no doubt respond by increasing fares, cutting un-remunerative but socially necessary 6 services, and by cutting staff. This is particularly unfair when airlines, shipping and railways do not pay 7 tax on fuel. 8 Conference instructs the EC to make representations to the DfT to ensure that investment towards 9 bus services continues at the same level, or increases in real terms, particularly as buses are efficient 10 users of road space and fuel for public transport is increasingly scarce.
London Bus Operators
76. Transport Management
1 That this Conference notes with disgust the propensity of certain TOCs to close down their train service 2 during last winter's inclement weather. This abandonment of responsibility for fellow human beings, their 3 customers, is reprehensible. 4 Conference instructs the EC to contact all relevant authorities with a view to the organisation of a plan 5 of campaign for implementation in future extremes of weather.
Staffordshire
Amendment - To insert between "reprehensible." in line 3 and "Conference" in line 4 new paragraph: "Conference also recognises the massive pressures placed upon staff by poor management and inconsistencies within the instructions given.". To add at end new paragraph: "Conference also instructs the EC to bring to the attention of all relevant parties that the Association's members will not be prepared to sacrifice their health and safety by the inadequate provision of cold weather equipment and clothing.".
Southeastern Metro
77. Transport Management
1 That this Conference believes that the job losses within TfL and LUL over the past year have led to a 2 poorer service for the public, increased stress and anxiety for the staff remaining and a lowering of 3 safety standards across the network. 4 Conference also believes that these job losses would have been even worse if it had not been for the 5 industrial action taken by members of the Association and other trade unions in the areas concerned. 6 Conference also thanks all those who contributed to the hardship fund set up by the Association to 7 support members who took industrial action. 8 Conference reaffirms its total opposition to job reductions within TfL and LUL and calls on the EC to 9 continue to work with the LT Divisional Council and local reps to stop further job losses in the coming 10 years.
Underground No.1
Amendment - To insert between "action." in line 7 and "Conference" in line 8 new paragraph: "Conference asks the EC to consider and advise on the possibilities for ongoing fundraising by the Association's members as part of campaigning in order to raise the union's profile and forge links with the public and with other unions and contribute to hardship and strike funds whether at Divisional Council or national levels at this time of likely increased disputes.".
Women in Focus
78. Transport Management
1 That this Conference has grave concerns over transport and work issues relating to the London 2012 2 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 3 Conference believes that employers' unilaterally-imposed leave restrictions, altered workloads, and/or 4 co-ordinated plans with other employers will evade or abuse workplace procedures in relation to the 5 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 6 Conference also believes that: 7 (a) the Games' Priority Roads Network risks hindering workers' movements without employers 8 being compelled to adopt suitable and sufficient allowance for transport difficulties; 9 (b) there is no evident unified transport risk assessment for London Games venues; 10 (c) there is no suitable and sufficient plan to safely transport people at those venues and that 11 although there is a single Games transport control centre each operator will respond to events 12 independently, and 13 (d) safety is at risk on the Jubilee Line as it serves several Games-related venues and that 14 inadequate overall consideration has been given to crowd management and transport provision, 15 especially late night at Stratford if sport events over-run. 16 Conference calls upon the EC to act in a timely and co-ordinated manner and with fellow trades 17 unions and the TUC to seek rectification of these concerns and would support the Association taking 18 any legal action solely or jointly with others to assure members' rights and the safety of workers and 19 spectators at and involved with the 2012 Games.
London South Western & Middx
Amendment - To insert between "over-run." in line 15 and "Conference" in line 16 "This situation is made worse by the recent staff reductions on the Jubliee Line and the failure of LUL to provide a dedicated member of staff to carry out the required security checks.".
Underground No.1
79. Transport Management
1 That this Conference notes the introduction and increasing use of smart card systems such as 2 Oyster, paperless tickets and e-tickets. 3 Conference, whilst accepting the need to adapt and change and in many instances welcoming the 4 increase in flexibility and choice to the travelling public, totally condemns unscrupulous employers who 5 use this as an excuse to attack the job security of the Association's members. This can result in shorter 6 opening hours in ticket offices, redistribution of work into call centres and compromising safety by reducing 7 and de-staffing stations. 8 Conference notes the Secretary of State for Transport's recent announcement to bring in a national 9 smart card by 2015. This, rather than being seen as an opportunity for the Association's members, raises 10 the spectre of further attacks on jobs. Conference feels that the Association's members should be at the 11 vanguard of any new ticketing systems and not be used as an excuse to save money, often with a direct 12 reduction of quality of service to the travelling public. 13 Conference applauds the brave stand taken by LUL workers to protect their livelihoods and recognises 14 that further such action may well be unavoidable. Conference instructs the EC to lobby, campaign and do 15 everything within its power to try and ensure that all ticket offices are involved and are able to retail, update 16 and deal with any smart card system, be they national or local and that these new systems do not 18 lead to a reduction in staffing levels which will also compromise the safety and service to the public.
Southeastern Metro
80. Transport Management
1 That this Conference, whilst welcoming cut-price fare offers advertised by TOCs is, however, concerned 2 that many are only available online. This discriminates against a large number of people who do not own a 3 computer. 4 Conference instructs the EC to raise this matter with the TOCs and campaign for all reduced rate 5 tickets to be made available at booking offices.
West Midlands Technical
81. Transport Management
1 That this Conference deplores the failure by contractors to have sufficient working snow clearing 2 machines available for use at the time of the snow falls in November and December 2010, thus leading to 3 widespread cancellation of their services. 4 Conference instructs the EC to make suitable representations to the Transport Minister and all other 5 interested parties.
London S.E. & Sussex
82. Travel Facilities
1 That this Conference notes Item 107 remitted at 2008 Annual Conference. 2 Conference will have also noted that on the first occasion that the Association did make representations 3 to the TOCs in summer 2008, they were told that this problem was recognised and a solution was close 4 to implementation. This position was reported to Branches in the first update of actions taken on 5 Conference resolutions that year. Since then nothing has changed. A seat reservation must still be 6 obtained by personal attendance at the booking office. This is both time consuming and costly for the 7 applicant and annoying for the rest of the queue seeking to buy tickets for their journeys who are now 8 being delayed. 9 Conference urges the EC to re-visit this subject with the TOCs and seek to persuade them that this 10 remains an issue needing resolution and reminding them of the assurance given nearly three years ago.Midlands Retired
Item 107 of 2008 Annual Conference read as follows: "That this Conference is concerned that the ever increasing use of call centres has had an adverse effect on
the opportunity to pre-book seats when travelling by free pass or by privilege ticket.
No longer can this be done by telephone, as a ticket number is required. The script of the call centre
person does not cover free or reduced rate tickets. Reserved seats may still be obtained, but only by
attending the booking office of the starting station.
Conference requests the EC to seek to persuade the TOCs that a telephone method of seat
reservation such as acceptance of staff card number and expiry date is very much required by retired
members who will otherwise have to make an expensive trip to the station in advance of their planned
journey."
83. Travel Facilities
1 That this Conference instructs the EC to enter into negotiations with Network Rail to provide similar 2 travel concessions to all Network Rail employees.
Network Rail North West
84. Travel Facilities
1 That this Conference urges the Association to request ATOC to allow all TOC staff to retain their staff 2 travel cards on retirement. A suggestion of a qualifying period, similar to those under British Rail should be 3 put forward, in order for post privatisation staff to retain their travel facilities. 4 Conference requests that the EC pursue this matter with ATOC.
Southern Inner
85. Travel Facilities
1 That this Conference notes that during 2010, Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) took control of the British transport 2 operator Arriva, so now owns, operates or has interests in the following companies: 3 (a) Cross Country Trains; 4 (b) Arriva Trains Wales; 5 (c) Chiltern Railways; 6 (d) Wrexham & Shropshire Railways, and 7 (e) London Overground Rail Operations. 8 Conference therefore instructs the EC to enter into meaningful negotiations with DB to enable all its 9 employees within Great Britain to gain travel concessions on all transport undertakings that it owns and 10 operates both domestically and internationally.
South Yorkshire
Amendments - A. To delete all between "(d)" and "," in line 6 and substitute "Arriva Buses in the UK".
London Bus Operators
B. To delete all between "that" and "British" in line 1 and substitute "several overseas State owned railways have taken interests or control of some". To delete all between "transport" in line 1 and "Conference" in line 8 and substitute "operators.". To delete "therefore" in line 8. To delete "DB" in line 8 and substitute "those operators". To delete "its" in line 8 and substitute "relevant". To delete all after "that" in line 9 and substitute "they own or operate.".
London South Western & Middx
86. Travel Facilities
1 That this Conference asks the EC to negotiate with ATOC to extend the facility currently offered only 2 to safeguarded retired staff over 60 years of age, whereby they can purchase standard class tickets 3 for accompanied grandchildren, to all members of staff who hold ATOC staff travelcards.
Yorkshire No.1 TOC
87. Rule Alterations
1 That this Conference, having duly passed the several Resolutions which involve alterations to the 2 Rules of the Association, hereby instructs the EC to give effect to all such Resolutions by making the 3 authorised amendments to the Rules affected (including such re-numbering and verbal correcting as may 4 be necessary) and to have the same registered in accordance with statutory requirements - also to 5 produce a sufficient number of printed copies of the amended Rules to be made available to each member 6 on request; the revised Rules to come into operation forthwith, except where otherwise provided for.
Executive Committee
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