RSSB T1211 Project – Defining the requirements for remote connectivity train dispatch

Our Ref: HSR/2/17
Head Office Circular: NP/7/22
7th January 2022
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

RSSB T1211 PROJECT– DEFINING THE REQUIRMENTS FOR REMOTE CONNECTIVITY TRAIN DISPATCH

I write to inform you that your National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 6th January 2022, to consider a report from its Health and Safety sub-committee, from when it met to discuss progress relating to the RSSB project on remote train dispatch. Discussion particularly focused on a report received from RMT Health and Safety Officer and a meeting attended where the business case for the project was under scrutiny - and where RMT raised concerns with project leads as to whether the remote train dispatch equipment, if sourced and installed, would be equipment that employers could use as a reason to cut station staff jobs.

The report adopted by the NEC is as follows:

We note assurances given by RSSB that the remote train dispatch equipment they are sourcing will ‘cut out’ if used away from the platforms and that ‘remote’ means away from fixed train dispatch equipment - rather than away from platforms - and that this project is not aiming to be about cutting station staff jobs.

However, we are concerned that going forward, this equipment will be used remotely away from platforms. Particularly at a time when employers are looking to cut jobs there will inevitably be employers wanting to use equipment to reduce the number of station staff they employ.

We therefore instruct the GS to write to RSSB to record RMT concerns.

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