Revised Drug and Alcohol policy - GWR

Our ref: HSR/1/1
Head Office Circular: NP/215/22
10th October 2022
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

REVISED DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY - GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY

Your RMT National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 6th October, to consider a report from its Health and Safety sub-committee, from when it met to discuss correspondence received from the Lead Officer relating to Great Western Railway (GWR) revised Drug and Alcohol policy and the company’s intention to impose this policy without the prior agreement of the trade unions. The Company thereby undermining agreed negotiating structures and ignoring the trade union side concerns, particularly in relation to the utilisation of instant urine testing for both drugs and alcohol – a procedure which has in the past been questioned for its accuracy.

On giving consideration to this matter the NEC noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety sub-committee:

We note the correspondence from the Lead Officer.

The General Secretary is instructed to write to Great Western Railway in line with existing RMT policy, seeking an assurance that the imposition of this policy will be rescinded to allow for a suitable agreement to be reached.

Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed; GWR members to be informed via email and text.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and 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