Rail staff say “Heat those ballot boxes up” as RMT issues statement over lack of openness from train operators.

Rail staff have this morning been sent the message below, from rail union RMT – prompting one member to tell Chime Whistle Publishing “Heat those ballot boxes up.”

Message from RMT to its members:

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was accepted by members in a referendum last year regarding Defend Jobs, Pay & Conditions – Train Operating Companies, it was agreed that TOCs would present specific Workforce Reforms proposals and commence 2023 Pay negotiations from week commencing 5 February 2024.

This morning I received an update from RMT Lead Officers in respect of the 14 companies involved.

Even at this early stage, it is clear that none of the Companies have properly set out the workforce reforms which they wish to propose. Each company has a list of changes including station operations, flexibility, sick pay, allowances etc but there is a severe lack of detail on the benefit that these changes would bring about. Only one company has tabled any form of pay offer for 2023 and this, in its current form, is unacceptable to the union.

The union will of course now continue these talks at each company , hopefully without political interference and with the aim of receiving  a fair and genuine set of proposals and an accompanying 2023 pay offer which mets the aspirations of you and your colleagues.

I will keep you advised of all developments collectively and also at your individual Train Operating Company.

Chime Whistle Publishing railway books: https://www.chimewhistle.co.uk/shop