TransPennine Express Rail Franchise & Northern Rail Franchise

Thursday 12th June 2014


Circular No. National Policy 106/14/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

TransPennine Express Rail Franchise & Northern Rail Franchise

Further to Circular No. NP/104/14/MC, RMT is doing everything in our power to fight the attacks on the workforces on the TransPennine Express and Northern franchises.

We will be exploring all possibilities for the fightback including building alliances with politicians and campaign groups in the North of England, and the issue was discussed yesterday with the RMT Parliamentary Group, an Early Day Motion will be tabled and a briefing session for Members of Parliament will be held before the Parliamentary recess on 20th July.

One initiative which I encourage you to support is the following petition on DOO: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-safety-critical-conductors-on-the-train-at-northern-rail Similar initiatives will be launched for all grades in both franchises.

To assist with this work I have asked Relief Regional Organiser Craig Johnson to assist in coordinating our campaigning efforts amongst our relevant  Regional Organisers, Regional Councils, Branches and members and also with the wider labour and trade union movement, MPs and local authorities. Craig will be liaising closely with Head Office in this regard.

I am also seeking an urgent meeting with the Government and also Rail North which is compromised of the 30 local transport authorities who will have a say over the content of the franchise.

I will keep members advised of developments.

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash
Acting General Secretary