RMT demands that Scotrail stop bullying managers to train as Guards in dispute over Driver Only Operation

Publication Date: January 26 2010

RAIL UNION RMT today demanded that Scotrail managers end the practice of pressurising and bullying managerial and supervisory staff into taking “training courses” to act as ad-hoc Guards in the event of industrial action being taken by RMT members over the imposition of Driver Only Operation on the Airdrie/Bathgate line.

RMT has issued a further warning that the so-called “training courses” are dangerously compressed and cannot cover the extensive knowledge needed for the safe running of trains and passenger service on the Scotrail network.

The union has received reports that members are being put under enormous pressure to attend the “courses” with some even being threatened that their jobs may be at risk if they refuse.

RMT has written to Scotrail Managing Director Steve Montgomery demanding that the courses be stopped and setting a deadline of midday on Thursday 28^th January 2010 for a reply.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

““We now have growing evidence that Scotrail are prepared to go to any lengths, and take any risks, in order to try and mobilise a scab army to break any industrial action by RMT in the dispute over the safety-critical role of guards on the new Scotrail service. We are demanding that this bullying and intimidation of managerial and supervisory grades stops now.

“Scotrail’s economic case for ditching guards has been demolished and the safety case for retaining these skilled members of the train crew is overwhelming. Instead of sitting down and resolving the issue the company are prepared to engage in a reckless gamble with staff and passenger safety that rips up the safety rule book and which makes a mockery of the contract with the Scottish Government.

“RMT will fight for safe working and travelling environment on the Scottish rail network and will continue to expose the dangerous disregard for safety that is now top-level management policy at Scotrail. It is no wonder that First Group have been branded “The Worst Company in Britain”.

ENDS