May 2007

PAY DEAL
At this time (late May) the Pay & Conditions negotiations are nearing completion. There appears to be confusion among some Drivers as to the connection between R.P.I. and Pay. R.P.I. has always been used as the pointer for yearly pay awards, in Southeastern’s case the pay anniversary being March. The proceeding January’s R.P.I. is used (note: Jan 07 R.P.I. was 4.2%), Once negotiations are concluded we will formally meet all L.D.R.’s before going to ballot.

UNIFORM
As you all have probably been made aware there is a new uniform issue on hand, your comments would be welcomed by management, good or bad. Please make your feelings heard as this is the uniform that we will all wear. There is currently a trial taking place and a number of Ramsgate and Slade Green Drivers are wearing the proposed uniform.

ASLEF A.A.D. CONFERENCE
The 2007 ASLEF A.A.D. was attended by Steve Bull (Ramsgate), Steve Burgess (Tonbridge) Joe Holmes (Grove Park), Dave Woodford (Battersea). The 2007 A.A.D. was to deal with financial problems within ASLEF, the following points were raised at this A.A.D.:

Number One
ASLEF subscriptions have not gone up for 5 years.
ADOPTED: Agenda item 20 - ASLEF subscriptions (only scale one) to increase by £2 per month.
ADOPTED: Rule Changes 146 - ASLEF contributions may rise by up to R.P.I. (based on February of that year)

Number Two
ASLEF Drivers will receive representation at all times.
REJECTED: Rule Change 171 - Members who work a rest day when there is no sanction from the E.C. will not be entitled to representation arising from an incident occurring on these days.

Number Three
District Council will be reduced from 3 meetings per year to 2.
ADOPTED: Rule Change 150 – Delete 3 insert 2 rule 11.2(e).

SENIORITY LIST
A seniority list for your depot that was created by Southeastern will be posted on your notice boards soon. All queries should be forwarded to Drivers Company Council, through the L.D.R., with as much detail as possible.

Yours Fraternally