Network Rail – S&T – Working at Height Steering Group

Our Ref: HSR/2/6
Head Office Circular: NP/094/16
24th March 2016

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

Network Rail – S&T – Working at Height Steering Group

A report has been received from our Relief Organiser for the North East on a breakdown in industrial relations between the company and RMT. Our representatives have raised concerns over the issue of the number of staff required to safely carry out S & T work at height on signalling structures and equipment. The NEC has made the following decision;

“That we note the report on file and are greatly concerned at the deterioration of industrial relations in regards to this issue.

We further note that the correspondence from the company on file which does not adequately address our concerns.

On the issue of S & T members working at heights the general secretary is instructed to write to network rail setting out our position as follows,

1.    The S & T working at heights group needs to meet urgently to set out programmes to satisfactorily conclude its project.
2.    This to include fully addressing and taking into account this union’s policy that S & T working at heights has to be planned on a 3 person basis, or by adequately identifying that an alternate system is safer.
3.    In the interim until there is an agreed method, all S & T working at heights is to be planned and carried out by at least 3 persons as per existing union policy.
4.    This interim position to be cascaded in writing to Network Rail line managers and staff.

The general secretary is to make clear to network rail that failure to address this issue adequately will lead to a dispute situation

All branches and regional councils to be advised.”

I am in the process of carrying out that instruction, please make this information available to all relevant members.

Yours sincerely
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary