Network Rail, Inclement weather and members safety

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular NP/31/25

                           25 February 2025

To: The secretary

All branches and regional councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

NETWORK RAIL: INCLEMENT WEATHER AND MEMBERS SAFETY

 

Your Wakefield and Healey Mills branch submitted the following resolution:

 

This Branch notes with concern the lack of a clear and consistent policy from Network Rail regarding the expectations and support for employees who are unable to get to work due to severe weather conditions.

 

This absence of guidance leaves our members vulnerable, as they may feel pressured by managers to attempt unsafe journeys to work during extreme weather events. Such pressure compromises not only the safety of our members but also that of the public.

 

We believe it is unacceptable for our members to be placed in situations where they are forced to choose between personal safety and the fear of repercussions for failing to attend work. The wellbeing of our members, including their commute to and from the workplace, should be a priority for Network Rail.

 

We therefore call on the NEC to:

1.   Instruct the General Secretary to write to Network Rail demanding the development and introduction of a clear, unambiguous policy to address situations where employees are unable to safely attend work due to inclement weather.

2.   Ensure involvement of RMT representatives in the drafting of this policy, to guarantee that it meets the needs and concerns of our members.

3.   Include within the policy:

•           Clear and practical guidance on what employees should do if they cannot safely attend work.

•       Assurance that Network Rail is committed to the safety of its employees, including their journey to and from the workplace.

•           A guarantee that employees who genuinely cannot safely attend work due to severe weather will not suffer financial detriment, including planned overtime, and will receive paid leave for the affected shift.

 

This Branch urges the NEC to act swiftly to address this issue, ensuring that our members’ safety and wellbeing are not compromised during severe weather events.

 

Your National Executive Committee, at its meeting on 13^th February 2025, noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety Committee from when it met to consider the branch resolution: 

 

We thank the Wakefield and Healey branch for their resolution.  We note that actions relating to this are being taken up under HSR file “Network Rail – Arrangements during storm Éowyn”. 

 

The General Secretary is instructed to carry out the additional actions as described in the resolution. This to include agreement of severe weather policies with employers and for ORR to issue guidance which addresses problems caused by the impact of severe weather events on the welfare, health and safety of our members.

 

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised accordingly. 

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. 

            

           Please bring this circular to the attention of relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Michael Lynch, 

General Secretary