Metronet rejects union pleas on Tube electrical work

Metronet has turned-down union demands that only JIB registered companies should be allowed to undertake electrical work on the Tube.

Officials at Unite have held a series of meetings with Metronet after revelations that M&E work underground had been carried-out by general civil engineering contractors.

London regional official Harry Cowap said: "We have asked that only JIB firms are used, but I have now been told that Metronet has turned down that request.

"This decision totally undermines the structure of the electrical contracting industry and is a slap in the face for this union and its members."

The JIB has policed the electrical contracting industry since the 1960s (see box).

Cowap said: "The JIB has set standards in this industry for decades and now Metronet is totally dismissing it.

"All the major names in the M&E sector are members of the JIB and recent successful projects like the Channel Tunnel Rail Link have all used only member firms for electrical work.

"The underground network should be using the highest quality electricians available and that means using JIB firms."

Industrial relations experts are also warning that the use of non-JIB firms could lead to unrest on Tube projects.

One site source said: "It could mean industrial relations problems if you let non-JIB firms in because that causes all sorts of resentment and ill-feeling from the JIB people."

A Metronet spokesman said: "There is no foundation to the allegations that safety is compromised and there is no justification for us to amend our policy and practices.

"Any contractor employed by Metronet has to demonstrate to our satisfaction that its staff and sub-contractors possess sufficient qualifications, skills and experience to fulfil their duties."

What is the jib?

The JIB is the collective term for the partnership between the Electrical Contractors Association and Unite (Amicus section).

During the 1950s and early 1960s, the electrical contracting industry suffered poor relations between the union and Employers' Association resulting in a series of strikes and lock-outs.

Both sides called a truce and signed the 1966-69 Industrial Agreement to negotiate annual wage increases and lay down terms and conditions under the newly formed Joint Industry Board.

The aim of the Board is "far reaching in seeking to generally improve the industry, its status and its productivity in the interests of the employer, the employees and the nation".