Network Rail Work Instruction Covid-19 Contingency Plan: Safe Working Practice

Our Ref: HSR/1/3

Head Office Circular: NP/445/21

10th December 2021

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

 

NETWORK RAIL WORK INSTRUCTION COVID-19 CONTINGENCY PLAN: SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

 

Further to Head Office Circular NP/382/21, dated 15th October 2021, I can report that an Avoidance of Dispute Stage One meeting took place today between the RMT and Network Rail.

 

The Union continues to press for effective protection measures for all our frontline members.

 

There are arrangements in place in Scotland that are working well and are robust, but the company is reluctant to introduce similar measures and appear to be promoting a watered- down version of measures for workers in England. This, along with measures introduced for officed-based and managerial staff, runs the risk of creating an unjustifiable two-tier approach to workers’ safety.

 

The Union will continue to challenge the employer in these matters.

 

There is a further meeting next Monday (13th December) where we hope to ensure satisfactory measures for our members.

 

If we are unable to do so, then we will have to consider our next steps in order to ensure the safety of our members during the pandemic.

 

I will keep members advised of any developments.

 

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary

www.rmt.org.uk/healthandsafety