DRIVING CAB DESIGN

Our ref: HSR/2/6

Head Office Circular: NP/52/24

23^rd February 2024

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

DRIVING CAB DESIGN

 

Your National Industrial Organising Conference of Traincrew & Shunting Grades Conference submitted the following resolution:

 

This conference notes: 

 

That the driving cabs of new trains are normally designed so that it is not possible to tip back the driver’s seat. So, drivers must drive the train seated. Whereas older trains gave the driver the option of tipping back the driver’s seat and driving the train standing up.

 

That many studies, such as one by the University of Leicester (August 2022) show that when office workers can stand at their desks this leads to an improvement in their health, wellbeing, and mood. 

 

That studies have also shown that spending too long at work sitting has been linked to health problems including type 2 diabetes.

 

This conference resolves that where RMT reps have any say in the design of driving cabs of new trains, they should insist that these cabs have seats that can tip up, so that drivers have the option of driving whilst standing up.

 

Our Union should publicise our policy amongst train drivers whenever we can do so.

 

At its meeting on 22^nd February 2024, your National Executive Committee resolved as follows:

 

That this National Executive Committee instructs the General Secretary to take up the matter in line with the resolution.

 

I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Michael Lynch, 

General Secretary