Our ref: HSR/4/2
Head Office Circular: NP/22/21
19th January 2021
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague
NETWORK RAIL – VEHICLE SPEED WARNING SYSTEM (VSWS)
RMT has received correspondence from Network Rail which indicates it will be imposing a new in vehicle driver monitoring system and disciplinary process outside of Fair Culture in early 2021.
A meeting to discuss this item between RMT Network Rail National Industrial and Safety Representatives from both the Maintenance and Operations sides, the National Executive Committee (NEC), and the Assistant General Secretary took place on 13th January 2021.
Following this meeting, your NEC adopted the following resolution at its meeting on 14th January:
That we note a meeting between Network Rail National Industrial and Safety Representatives from both the Maintenance and Operations, the NEC and Assistant General Secretary to discuss this item took place on 13th January 2021. We further note that NWR are proposing to introduce a new Vehicle Speed Warning System that will include cameras and will monitor drivers. They are also proposing to remove speeding cases from Fair Culture Process.
Accordingly, the General Secretary is instructed to write to NWR advising them that we will accept a return to the previous VSWS that was in use. However, NWR must be informed that we will not accept any further monitoring of our members’ driving as they are not employed as drivers. Further, the General Secretary is to inform NWR that we will vehemently oppose any attempt to remove speeding offences or any other driving offences from the fair culture process.
Members to be informed by text and email.
Relevant Branches, Regional Councils and Reps to be advised.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep members informed of any updates.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary