On the 31st January 2017 myself and Mark Gamble met with SWT/Network Rail/Balfour Beaty/DB SCHENKER at a HAZOP workshop meeting, this was to discuss the risks associated with the new depot at Woking that will hopefully be in operation in December 2017.

After lengthy discussions there were some concerns identified in terms of the present working arrangements that are in place at this location, and this was to have a person that is in charge of this depot for movements that will take place for all companies that will use this depot, there is presently several companies that use this location which has identified some risks.

The draft plans are to introduce 3 new sidings at this depot, which will berth 455's/444/450's. There will be also new shunter posts consulted in (not finalised as yet) that will be based at this location.

Further discussions are yet to be had on this, which will include a site visit to the location. 

Updates on this will be given as things progress.

2016 Pay Negotiations

Your negotiators met with the company on the 26th January 2017 to have further discussions on the 2016 pay anniversary, and we can confirm that an improved percentage and minimum payment for our lower grades was offered.

This offer is now being considered by your negotiators, after which a full report on this offer will be sent to our union by our Regional Organiser which will  be placed before the National Executive for consideration.

It would be unfair to announce the revised offer at this point since we agreed to wait for the official announcement through the joint communication, which will be released within the next few days; however this offer is now closer to our aspirations as an all-grades trade union.

Circular No: IR/012/17

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: BR2/14/1

12th January 2017


Dear Colleague

TRAIN DESPATCH OF SOUTHERN (GTR) DOO SERVICES – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I write with regards to the above matter and in relation to the recent announcement made by Southern (GTR) to extend Driver Only Operation between Portsmouth Harbour and Havant. This decision has been made without any negotiations taking place with the RMT.

The RMT is now in receipt of copies of special notices issued to staff by Southern advising of their intentions to run Driver Only Operation – Passenger (DOO-P) services claiming that ‘these changes have been introduced in line with our franchise to modernise and improve the quality of our customer service on board trains and improve our overall performance’.
The special briefing issued to staff from South West Trains indicates that ‘the introduction of these services will mean that dispatch duties previously carried out by Guards and/or Station Staff will now be completed by the Driver.’

The extension of DOO will have a major impact on our South West Trains Station staff, Guard and Driver members. The RMT has serious reservations over the safety aspects for the travelling public and grave concerns over the implications to the changes of job roles and working practices this will bring and we will not agree to any extensions of DOO.

Therefore, the matter has been subject to recent consideration by the union’s National Executive Committee who notes that South West Trains has not carried out any consultations with the RMT regarding this matter. Therefore, I have written to the company challenging their decision and I am seeking assurances from South West Trains on the following:

• That no member of staff will be disciplined or placed on any support process if a PTI incident occurs whilst on any platform involving any Southern (GTR) DOO service.
• That the establishment levels at affected locations will remain the same/above the levels as before these services were introduced on the South West Trains network.
• That no South West Trains staff will be dispatching Southern (GTR) DOO services.
• If Southern staff are used on any South West Trains stations to dispatch Southern services what training and facilities has been provided.

Following on from the above, this matter will be placed on the agenda for further discussion at the next available South West Trains Joint Safety Committee and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments. In the meantime, I would be most grateful if Branches and Regional Councils could report back all incidents involving these trains to the RMT at gtrfacts@rmt.org.uk

Best wishes.

Mick Cash
General Secretary

Our Ref BR2/0146

16^th May 2016

TO ALL SOUTH WEST TRAINS MEMBERS

Dear Colleague,

FOR URGENT ATTENTION OF SWT MEMBERS

ROLE OF THE GUARD, EXTENSION OF DOO - GTR (SOUTHERN)

You may be aware that your colleagues at GTR Southern are in dispute with their employer over blatant plans to decimate the role of the Conductor. There is clear evidence that  Southern have been bullying and harassing members and putting undue pressure on them to sign up for the new grade of On Board Supervisor, effectively doing their level best to kill off the role of the Guard. In another obvious show of spite, they have even taken away members' and their dependants' travel facilities and car parking permits. 

Strike action has been called on Wednesday 18^thMay 2016 and it has been brought to our attention that South West Trains are asking you and your colleagues to volunteer to work at Clapham Junction on the strike day. Please be advised that RMT is asking South West Trains members not to volunteer to work on this day as this will only serve to undermine the lawful industrial action that will be taken by members at GTR Southern.
 

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash
General Secretary

www.rmt.org.uk/          www.rmtv.org.uk/

            

     

The information contained in this message is confidential and is intended for the addressee only. If you have received this message in error, or if there are any problems, please notify the originator immediately. The unauthorised use, disclosure, copying or alteration of this message is strictly forbidden.

Reduction in the Working Week – Guards/Commercial Guards – South West Trains

 

 

 

 

 

 

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Circular No IR.191/15

 

 

 

 

Our Ref: BR2/0004

10th August 2015

 

 

Dear Colleagues 

 

Reduction in the Working Week – Guards/Commercial Guards – South West Trains 

 

The union has been negotiating with South West Trains for a while now in an effort to reduce Guards and Commercial Guards working week from 42 hours to 35 hours. In this day and age to have a 42 hour week is just totally unacceptable.

 

Following long and protracted negotiations I am pleased to say that some progress has been made and we have negotiated a reduction of 2 hours making the new working week 40 hours. We will continue negotiating and fighting for a 35 hour week and there has been a commitment from SWT, should they secure the franchise, to set up a joint working group to discuss Guards terms and conditions including working hours.

 

The General Grades Committee has decided to hold a referendum of all our SWT Guards and Commercial Guards members on the proposals with a recommendation to accept.

 

LDC representatives will be available in their depots on the 17th18th and 19th August to answer any questions/concerns members may have. The voting papers and accompanying literature will be despatched on Friday 14th August so as to arrive at members’ home addresses in time for them to read the necessary literature and formulate any questions prior to the LDC representatives being available. The closing date for the referendum is Monday 7th September 2015.

 

I will keep you advised of developments.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary 

 

RESTRUCTURING, STATION STAFF – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Ref: BR2/1500

21st July 2015 

 

 

Dear Colleague

 

RESTRUCTURING, STATION STAFF – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

For some considerable time your Senior Union Representatives have been seeking a commitment from South West Trains to revisit negotiations regarding the restructuring of our station grade members. As you may recall back in 2003, restructuring negotiations collapsed as a result of South West Trains claims that they would not be able to fund a restructuring package to meet the aspirations of the RMT. Regrettably, this position still stands. Management are unwilling to enter into talks with our union representatives and the company remain adamant that any restructuring will have a financial impact. 

 

The matter has been subject to recent consideration by your union’s Executive Committee who notes that our South West Trains Clerical and Station grade members are amongst the very last across the country to be restructured. Indeed, it would appear that the company put no value on restructuring these grades in line with others. Furthermore, our members are angered by this unequal treatment and management’s refusal to meet with the RMT. 

 

It is clear that your current job roles are in need of modernisation to reflect their true nature and value. Therefore, I am seeking the views of all our affected members by way of questionnaire and I should be pleased to receive your feedback and comments. Please be advised, that your SWT Company Council Representatives have given consideration to the enclosed set of questions to ascertain which areas you would agree are suitable to negotiate and restructure your role, leading to an improvement to your basic salary and work/life balance.

 

I would be most grateful if you could complete and return the enclosed Questionnaire by no later than Tuesday 1st September 2015. Once I have received your feedback I will place the matter back before your union’s Executive Committee for further consideration and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

 

Best wishes.

Mick Cash 

General Secretary

 

RESTRUCTURING, STATION STAFF - SOUTH WEST TRAINS

To advise further on the above, a questionnaire was sent out to all un-restructured members for completion. It was raised with me that some members received this questionnaire by post and some by       e-mail.

I have today spoken with RMT and it has been agreed that those members who received the questionnaire by e-mail will receive one also in the post which will include a prepaid envelope to return this form. 

All Clerical/ Supervisory and Rail Operator grades should be receiving this questionnaire, if you don't receive one can you please contact RMT on freephone 0800 376 3706 or e-mail: info@rmt.org.uk. 

It's very important that this questionnaire is completed and returned by the 01st September 2015.

PAY TALKS UPDATE RATES OF PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2015 – NETWORK RAIL

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Ref BR6/0001

 

Circular IR//15

 

2nd April 2015

 

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

PAY TALKS UPDATE

 

RATES OF PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2015 – NETWORK RAIL

 

Our negotiating team including myself, the National President and our National Maintenance and Operations Council representatives have this week held two sets of pay discussions with Network Rail under the auspices of ACAS. These discussions are currently adjourned while both sides consider their positions. 

 

We anticipate further meetings in the very near future and I will keep members and branches fully informed of any developments. 

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash 

General Secretary

 

 

RMT responds to new pre election £50 million sweetener to basket case SW Trains franchise unveiled by ministers this morning

From RMT press office

General Secretary Mick Cash said

"This is yet another pre election stunt on a basketcase franchise which has a shocking reputation for reliability and overcrowding. We were told that the so called "deep alliance" between NR and SW trains was the model for the future and yet it has proved to be an unmitigated disaster. This £50 million sounds like yet another sweetener for the private train operator and will have them laughing all the way to the bank."

RMT MEMBERS VOTE TO REJECT NETWORK RAIL PAY OFFER

 

www.rmt.org.uk

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

24^th  March 2015

Immediate

RMT MEMBERS VOTE TO REJECT NETWORK RAIL PAY OFFER

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that Network Rail members in Operations, Maintenance, Customer Services and associated grades have voted overwhelmingly to reject what the company says is its final pay offer. 

The offer has been rejected by a massive 93% on a 56% turn out. 

The pay package proposals which have been overwhelmingly rejected are summarised as follows.

• 2015 - A 0%  increase in pay.
• 2016, 2017, 2018 - An RPI level of inflation increase in pay would be applied for each year.
• The “No Compulsory Redundancy” commitment would be extended until 31^st December 2015.
• Network Rail will provide an annual National Rail Card giving a 33% reduction in off peak travel for employees, their friends and family.

 

17,000 RMT members were balloted in all areas of Network Rail in the referendum and the union has made it clear that as members have now rejected the offer RMT is placed in formal dispute with Network Rail and preparations will begin for a ballot for industrial action.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“Our members have decisively rejected the pay package offered by Network Rail and as we said right from the start that puts us into dispute and triggers preparations for a national industrial action ballot.

“As far as we are concerned 0% in 2015 is a pay cut as it means that our members pay will not keep up with the cost of living. The travel offer we have received is nothing more than a card that can be purchased by any member of the travelling public, falling well short of our demand of free travel for all. In addition, we are extremely concerned that the “No Compulsory Redundancy” commitment only applies to the first year of the four year deal.

“RMT is in no doubt that this leaves Operations and Maintenance members extremely vulnerable, especially with the continued development of Rail Operating Centres and the on-going cuts programme at Network Rail.

“RMT remains available for talks and we hope that the company will appreciate the anger amongst staff at the current offer on pay and conditions from Network Rail and that they will agree to our call to come back to the table with an improved package.”

 

 Ends

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2014 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

TO ALL BRANCHES WITH SOUTH WEST TRAINS MEMBERS

 

12th February 2015

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

RATES OF PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2014- SOUTH WEST TRAINS 

 

You will be aware members rejected of both options previously offered by the company. This led to the company and your representatives meeting further to discuss how to improve the offer. I can advise the company revised the offer to 1 option as follows:-

 

Year 1, 2.3% Or £450, whichever is the greater.

Year 2, Retail Price Index or 0.25%, whichever is the greater.

 

In addition a proposal to resolve the outstanding claim in respect of Retired Staff Travel, a copy of which is attached.

 

Following this offer the Full Company Council, GGC, Senior AGS and myself met at Unity House to consider this latest offer. The GGC were requested to put the offer to a vote of the members by referendum with a view to accept.

 

Members will receive voting papers in due course. Can you bring this circular to the attention of your members and encourage participation in the referendum.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Mick Tosh 

RMT Regional Organiser Wessex

Tel : 07900 877720

Email: m.tosh@rmt.org.uk

 

 

ONE UNION WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

 

 

 

 

 

Union Headquarters

Unity House • 39 Chalton Street ■ London ■ NW1 1JD    ■    Tel: 020 7387 4771 • Fax: 020 7387 4123

Helpline: 0800 376 3706

www.rmt.org.uk ■ email: info@rmt.org.uk

 

 

RSTES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2014 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

TO ALL BRANCHES WITH SOUTH WEST TRAINS MEMBERS

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS SERVICE 2014- SOUTH WEST TRAINS 

 

 

At a further meeting with the company it made a final offer as follows:-

 

Option 1

 

Year 1 An increase of 2.1% with a guaranteed minimum of £450

 

Year 2 An increase based upon August 2015 RPI or 0.25% whichever is greater

 

Option 2

 

Year 1 An increase of 2.3%

 

Year 2 An increase based August 2015 RPI or 0.25% whichever is greater.

 

There are no other improvements offered in terms Allowances, Leave, Hours or restructuring within Retail and Fleet. The company made no other offer to improve Terms and Conditions  as part of these discussions, despite our wish to do so. 

 

We have advised the company that this will be placed before the General Grades Committee for consideration. Following such there should be a referendum whereby you will have the opportunity to decide your choice including the option to reject. 

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Mick Tosh 

RMT Regional Organiser Wessex

Tel : 07900 877720

Email: m.tosh@rmt.org.uk

 

ONE UNION WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

 

 

 

 

 

Union Headquarters

Unity House • 39 Chalton Street ■ London ■ NW1 1JD    ■    Tel: 020 7387 4771 • Fax: 020 7387 4123

Helpline: 0800 376 3706

www.rmt.org.uk ■ email: info@rmt.org.uk

 

 

October 2014 Pay Talks Update

To advise that your negotiators met with the company on the 18th December 2014  to discuss the October 2014 pay review.

The company made a revised offer as below:

Option 1 

Year 1 - an increase of 2.1% with a minimum increase of £450.00

Year 2 - An increase based on RPI (for August 2015 or a 0.25% increase of greater.

Option 2

Year 1 - an increase of 2.3%

Year 2 - An increase based on RPI ( for August 2015 or a 

0.25% increase if greater.

The company have stated that this is their final offer.

The Regional Organiser will now send a report to the National Union based on the above, to enable the Unions Executive to consider this offer.

We will keep you posted on this and the next steps.

SOUTH WEST TRAINS SECTION OF THE RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEME – 2013 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Ref: MRP 1/8/24​           28th November 2014

 

​           Circular Num: NP/254/14

To: The Secretary All Branches & Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

SOUTH WEST TRAINS SECTION OF THE RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEME – 2013 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

 

Following the 2013 triennial actuarial valuation of the South West Trains shared cost section of the Railways Pension Scheme the results reveal, allowing for future service contributions, a surplus of £8.4 million with a funding level of 101.3%.

 

As a consequence of the surplus in the fund management had initially proposed to defer increasing contributions, which were due to rise in line with the 2010 valuation schedule of contributions, for three years. 

 

However, following discussions with the Department of Transport, and subsequently the South West Trains Pensions Joint Working Group, the following has been proposed:

 

• The Joint Contribution Rate to increase from 1st July 2015 until 30th June 2027 as follows-

 

o Member 10.96% to 11.12% (+0.16%) / Employer 16.44% to 16.68% (+0.24%)

 

• No Benefit Changes

 

The General Grades Committee in consideration of this proposal on 26th November 2014 made the following report:

 

“We note the letter from the company outlining the revised proposal to increase the Joint Contribution rate from 2015. 

 

We further note that our pension representatives are recommending acceptance of the proposal.   

 

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to inform the company of our acceptance.

 

Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

 

I will keep you informed of any developments.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mick Cash 

General Secretary

SWT Pay Talks update for 2014

 

TO ALL BRANCHES WITH SOUTH WEST TRAINS MEMBERS

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

SOUTH WEST TRAINS ANNUAL PAY 7 CONDITIONS NEGOTIATIONS

 

A detailed written submission was made to the company in September outlining members aspirations, as follows;

 

1. A substantial increase in rates of pay to reflect real improvement in salaries/wages. 

2. An increase in annual leave.

3. A reduction in working hours with a target of 32 hours per week for all members,        without loss of pay.

4. An improvement in Family Friendly policies.

5. Improved Travel facilities

6. Improved London & Regional Allowances.

 

In addition to these we asked the company to commit to discussions on restructuring Retail and Fleet grades. We have now met with the company on two occasions and received an offer with two options.

 

Option 1

​Year 1. An increase of 1.9% or £450 on basic rates of pay whichever is the greater.

​Year 2. An increase of RPI (as measured Aug 2015) minus 0.25%

 

Option 2

​Year 1. An increase of 2.1% on basic rates of pay.

​Year 2. An increase of RPI (as measured Aug 2015) minus 0.25%.

 

Your representatives pressed for responses for the conditions we were seeking improvement upon particularly as, in some cases, such as leave, hours and restructuring because these had not been considered for improvements for many years.  

 

The company replied there would be as part of this offer; 

 

• No increase in London or Regional allowances these would remain the same.

• No commitment to discussions on restructuring for Fleet and Retail grades.

• No improvement in Family Friendly arrangements.

• No reduction in hours.

• No improvement in holidays.

 

Your representatives advised the company that both options were unacceptable as neither met cost of living and did not address any of the improvements we wished to see in working conditions. In terms of low paid staff the offers made in fact would, see more of our 

 

 

 

 

 

 

members needing to source government income benefits as result of, not being able to meet increasing bills with the level of pay offered.

 

The company advised that the offer was made based upon affordability, the current climate of 1% average increases in wages around the country and, the increased payments to the DFT.

 

In response the Trade Unions reminded the company that they were enjoying healthy profits and staff are as important as shareholders and should not be expected to bear the cost of DFT payments based upon the company’s business plan, it had agreed when, bidding for the franchise. Our members had now for the last two years received less than inflation increases leading to a real reduction in money terms to meet the cost of bills and lowering their spending ability.  Company profits were good and staff should receive fair reward of these. 

 

The meeting was adjourned for the company to further consider the responses from the Trade Unions. A further meeting has been scheduled for 18th Dec 2014.

 

Members are advised your representatives are pushing hard to achieve real increases and improvements in a realistic time scale and will not allow pay talks to be drift along. It is our intention these be concluded at the earliest opportunity and with your support we will seek to achieve this.  

 

I will keep you informed of future events. However you should take every opportunity to attend your local branch and seek further detailed information from branch officers and local representatives as well as, having your say how you wish your negotiators to proceed.

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Mick Tosh 

RMT Regional Organiser Wessex

Tel : 07900 877720

Email: m.tosh@rmt.org.uk

 

 

ONE UNION WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

 

 

 

 

 

Union Headquarters

Unity House • 39 Chalton Street ■ London ■ NW1 1JD    ■    Tel: 020 7387 4771 • Fax: 020 7387 4123

Helpline: 0800 376 3706

www.rmt.org.uk ■ email: info@rmt.org.uk