HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular NP/195/20
11th August 2020
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague
GWR – ON-BOARD REVENUE CONTROL DUTIES
The RMT Relief Regional Organiser (South) wrote to me following a request from our GWR On Train Divisional Council representatives for clarification of the union’s position with regards to the conducting of revenue duties during the current pandemic crisis.
Since the publishing of the RICF Updated Guidance and Principles on Social Distancing on 2nd July 2020 our representatives have been engaged in negotiations with Great Western Railway regarding the return of our members to substantive duties. This process includes risk assessments which are being conducted in conjunction with our health and safety representatives.
There has been a level of disagreement with the company regarding the proposals for the reintroduction of revenue duties applicable to our Train Manager, Conductor and Revenue Protection members.
It was felt by our representatives that the guidance with regards to the conducting of revenue duties would benefit from further clarification.
On 27th July 2020 your National Executive Committee agreed as follows:
That we note the report on file from the Lead Officer and that the GWR On Trains Divisional Council are seeking clarification on the above.
Accordingly, the General Secretary is instructed to write to the GWR On Trains Divisional Council reiterating that the RICF guidance is that a return to on-board revenue duties should only be commenced after an agreed risk assessment has been carried out.
Further to this, the Council should be reminded that when services are operating within Wales, 2m social distancing is still in place.
Members to be informed by text and email.
Relevant Branches, Regional Councils and Reps to be advised
I have reiterated to the GWR On Trains Divisional Council that the RICF guidance is that a return to on-board revenue duties should only be commenced after an agreed Risk Assessment has been carried out.
Joint Risk assessments are expected, where possible, to enable social distancing of 2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigations (where 2 metres is not viable to maintain). These should consider and set out the mitigations already in place, or that will be introduced, within the risk assessment.
Where 2 metres social distancing cannot be maintained then any movement to one metre plus will require consideration and assessment to determine where and how it can be appropriately implemented.
Further to this, I have reminded the Council that when services are operating within Wales, 2 metre social distancing is still in place.
I have acted in accordance with these instructions and will keep members appraised of any developments.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary