CANCER IN THE WORKPLACE

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/084/25

20^th May 2025

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

CANCER IN THE WORKPLACE

RMT’s 2024 Annual General Meeting adopted the following resolution:

 

This branch agrees that Cancer is a Trade Union issue. Having Cancer can make it difficult for people to earn a living. 

 

Cancer at the point of diagnosis is covered by the protected characteristic of Disability, Equality Act 2010. Some people with a Cancer diagnosis choose to work if they can, stating that having the choice was vital during their treatment as they felt that many decisions in their life had been taken out of their hands and handed over to specialists. 

 

However, there are a growing number of GWR members reporting to Reps that are being refused an extension of the full pay part to the company sick pay scheme during Cancer treatment. These members feel that they are being forced back into the workplace whilst still undergoing Cancer treatment.

 

Choice is not afforded to these members once the company sick pay scheme is reduced to half pay. With the current cost of living crisis whilst workers are already financially squeezed to the limit, our members must also manage the financial burden having Cancer brings, cost of hospital taxi journeys, cost of parking, cost of a change of products in the home, a change to personal products recommended to reduce risk or symptoms, reduction in household income if household member takes time off to attend appointments and give care, the list goes on.

 

In the rail industry there are potential risks from exposures to asbestos in premises and rolling stock, respirable crystalline silica in ballast dust and from cutting or grinding concrete, and diesel engine exhaust emissions. Railway workers are exposed to Cancer causing carcinogens. 

 

This branch resolves that the NEC instruct the General Secretary: 

 

• To negotiate workplace policy for all railway workers, for the extension of the full pay part of all sick pay schemes as standard, where there is a sick pay scheme in place. Full pay until at least the end of cancer treatment for those who do not feel that a return to the workplace during Cancer treatment is beneficial to their well-being.

 

• To link the contents of this motion, including that Railway workers are exposed to Cancer causing carcinogens, into all RMT campaigns which are fighting for sick pay schemes for railway, maritime and transport workers who currently are only receiving statutory sick pay.

 

At its meeting on 8^th May, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety subcommittee:

 

We note the resolution adopted by the 2024 AGM.

 

The General Secretary is instructed to act in accordance with the sentiments of the resolution, also to prepare an article for RMT News.

 

Members and regional councils to be advised.  

            

            I am acting in line with this instruction. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

            Yours sincerely

            

 

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary