Our ref: HSR/2/4
Head Office Circular: NP/10/23
13th January 2023
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague,
NETWORK RAIL – SIGNALLER REST BREAK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Your Birmingham Rail Branch submitted the following resolution:
This Branch has concerns that Shift Signaller Managers do not receive meal breaks. This has been an issue for the whole time the role has been in place but has been highlighted further when a member was disciplined, and part of the initial charge was that he fell asleep for a few minutes on a night shift.
Network Rail/ORR’s own fatigue guidance states – The quality of breaks is important. A food and drink preparation area, a quiet rest area at a suitable temperature and with suitable seating and the facility to talk to colleagues and to take a walk are positive points. In the case of safety critical worker on night shift, the facility to take a short nap during a break is especially beneficial. Naps of no more than 10 minutes are advisable if safety critical tasks are to resume within 20 minutes of waking.
Currently that is not possible for Shift Signaller Managers. The investigation manager of the disciplinary stated the following. I recommend that an official process is put in place for SSM’s breaks, including: when they should take their breaks, suggested time per shift to be spent on breaks, where the breaks should be spent.
We call upon the General Secretary to open discussions with Network Rail to bring in the facility for all Shift Signaller Managers to have sufficient breaks as soon as possible.
We request the RMT executive to look into this as a matter of urgency.
At its meeting on 12th January, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety Sub-committee:
We note the resolution from our Birmingham Rail Branch, for which it is thanked.
The General Secretary is instructed to take matters up in line with the resolution and open discussions with Network Rail to bring in the facility for all Shift Signaller Managers to have sufficient breaks at the earliest opportunity.
Branches and Regional Councils to be notified.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions.
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.
Yours sincerely
Michael Lynch
General Secretary