Cross Country Failure To Agree

Our Ref: HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular: NP/183/20
22nd July 2020
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS


Dear Colleague,

CROSS COUNTRY – FAILURE TO AGREEE

The RMT received representations from members concerned about Cross Country’s attitude in relation to the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when undertaking tasks which cannot be performed whilst maintaining two metres social distancing, believing (correctly) that this amounted to a breach of RMT policy on this matter and also in breach of the RICF agreement.

Following representations from the RMT, the company has subsequently asked for further discussions with our Regional Organiser to agree what constitutes PPE for tasks where two metre social distancing cannot be maintained. Cross Country has also advised that it has have pulled back from its stance and will not be advising staff that that they can undertake tasks in these circumstances without PPE. The RMT has therefore advised the company that we will enter into these discussions and not register a dispute at this time

In considering the company’s response the National Executive Committee (NEC) noted and adopted the following report of its Health and Safety Sub-committee at its meeting on 21st July 2020:

We note the correspondence on file from the Relief Regional Organiser (North) and the RMT representative at Cross Country, and note that the company has agreed to engage in discussions with the RMT and has advised that it has pulled back from its stance and will not be advising staff that that they can undertake tasks in the circumstances outlined in the correspondence without PPE.

We note that new RMT guidance and advice on face masks, visors and respirators is currently being formulated and will be placed in front of the NEC this week.

The General Secretary is instructed to write to Cross Country, welcoming its engagement with the RMT in this matter and to write to the Relief Regional Organiser (North) thanking him for his input thus far and for his continuing work in persuading the company that it should be following RMT guidelines.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

Members in Cross Country to be advised via email.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep members advised of any further developments. Please make the contents of this Circular available to all appropriate members.

Yours Sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary