Island Line Signal Box and Signallers

Our Ref: HSR/2/6
Head Office Circular: NP/258/21
20th July 2021
To: The Secretary
BRANCHES WITH SWR MEMBERS
WESSEX REGIONAL COUNCIL

Dear Colleague,

ISLAND LINE SIGNAL BOX AND SIGNALLERS

Further to Head Office Circular NP/224/21, dated 25th June 2021, I received a further urgent report from your Lead Officer, the key points of which are:

He has demanded that all train running is halted immediately until a safe system of work can be put in place

He has advised the Signallers not to undertake any training until the RMT has agreed a safe and practical way forward

The company are planning on running trains again this week, no trains moved over the weekend. The ORR have been in attendance and he has arranged to meet with the Heads of Departments and the ORR

He has requested that the NEC instruct the General Secretary to take these issue up at the highest possible levels before someone is killed and our members are put in an unsafe position; also to advise our P-way, S&T members and Guard members of the unsafe practices that are taking place and remind them of their rights under the legislation not to work if unsafe. Lastly to write to ASLEF and advise them of the Unsafe practices that are taking place.

Following receipt of this report, your National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved as follows at its meeting on 20th July:

That we note the report from the Lead Officer on file.

Accordingly, the General Secretary is to write to the ORR and SWR in the strongest terms at the highest level raising our concerns, also to advise members in-line with the RO’s report. Furthermore, the General Secretary is to write to ASLEF to make them aware to the potential dangers their members are in.

Branches with SWR members to be advised.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep members advised of any developments.

I advise our P-way, S&T members and Guard members of the unsafe practices that are taking place and remind them of their rights under the legislation (Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, to remove yourself to a place of safety if you feel you are in serious and imminent danger) not to work if unsafe. Again, I advise our signalling members to state they feel that it is not safe and are not willing to be signed off as competent.

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

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch
General Secretary