LNER Revised Standards for Drug and Alcohol Screening and Medical Standards for Safety Critical Workers

Our Ref: HSR/2/15
Head Office Circular: NP/110/20
15th May 2020
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,


LNER REVISED STANDARDS FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING AND MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR SAFETY CRITICAL WORKERS

RMT have been consulted by LNER on temporary arrangements for Drug and Alcohol Screening and Medical Standards for Safety Critical Workers. On considering the proposal the National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from their Health and Safety Sub-committee at their meeting on 13th May 2020:

We note the proposal on file from LNER that details temporary arrangements that can be applied by operators during the current pandemic. There are a number of further points of note:

· LNER are the only rail industry employer to raise the matter with this union.

· That this matter and the lack of any further company proposals was raised with the ORR at a meeting on 27th April 2020.

· The lack of consultation with the RMT from any other industry employer represents a potential breach of their duties under the Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations.

We instruct the General Secretary to write to ORR and the rail industry employers setting out that this is unacceptable and demanding formal consultation with this union.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

I am taking this matter up as instructed and will keep you updated on developments. Please make the contents of this Circular available to all appropriate members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary