Fair Culture Abuse and Targeting of Area Rep Scott Bruce

Head Office Circular NP/97/21
Our Ref: HSR/2/29
26th March 2021
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

FAIR CULTURE ABUSE AND TARGETING OF AREA REP SCOTT BRUCE

Your Glasgow Engineering Branch submitted the following resolution:

This branch is growing increasing concerned at Network Rails continuing misuse of the fair culture policy.

This branches chairperson and area rep brother Scott Bruce is presently being targeted by a total misapplication of the policy.

The situation has become so serious that our full time official Regional Organiser Gordon Martin has had to personally intervene in the process.

This branch is extremely concerned that Scott is in danger of being dismissed for nothing more than trying to complete paperwork safely to facilitate work going ahead during a pandemic.

This is just the latest example of what has become a widespread problem with this policy being used in a manner that punishes our members including charges of gross misconduct and dismissal instead of "learning lessons" from situations.

Glasgow Branch 5 recently wrote to you with a resolution regarding fair culture at Network Rail.

This branch wishes to support that resolution. This branch also states on the record that this union must be able to defend its reps in order to function at all.

This branch requires a full and thorough review of the fair culture policy at Network Rail.

Given the seriousness of the situation we ask that you give the contents of this email and resolution your full attention as a matter of urgency.

At its meeting on 24th March 2021, your National Executive Committee carried the following resolution:

We note the resolution and sentiments from the Glasgow Engineering Branch on file.

We are extremely concerned that Bro Bruce, Branch Chair and Area Rep is being targeted by a misapplication of the Fair Culture Policy and that the situation got so serious our Lead Officer had to intervene and write to Network Rail.

Therefore, we instruct the GS to seek an updated report from the Lead Officer and place it before us as soon as possible.

Any further correspondence to be placed in front of the NEC.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of developments.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary