As we have reported previously [1], Metronet is trying again to 'outsource' a large chunk of its work, which will involve lots of workers being re-privatised, transferred to Bombardier.

So what's going on with this? The unions and management are not talking because the means by which they talk - the 'machinery of negotiation' - is in dispute.

RMT and Metronet agreed a new machinery earlier this year. But last week, management said they were pulling it. Why? Because it upset TSSA because it recognised RMT as representing operational managers. While the various parties talk it over at ACAS, discussion on all industrial issues in Metronet has ground to a halt.