Inter City Express Programme (IEP)

Our Ref: HC/14/2
1st September 2015

Dear Colleague

INTERCITY EXPRESS PROGRAMME (IEP)

Firstly, congratulations to all our FGW members on the successful strike action taken over the weekend. The strike action was solidly supported at all locations right across First Great Western. Discussions continue between your Senior Union Representatives and FGW management in an effort to resolve this dispute but at the time of writing no agreement has been reached over the threat to our member’s jobs, services and safety.

The unresolved issues remain as follows:

Lack of buffet car facilities on SETs
Despite all the pressures being put on the company not just by the RMT but also the travelling public, FGW are still refusing to run a full buffet service as is currently in place. I have written to the Department for Transport seeking an urgent meeting to discuss buffet car facilities on SET and it is our firm view that these should remain. I would also add that I have raised this very important issue with our Parliamentary Group.

Meeting Hitachi over the future of Fleet grades/depots
I would reiterate that the union is seeking an urgent meeting with Hitachi in order to protect the future work, grades and depots of our Fleet members.

Door Operation on AT300/SET/Class 16x
The union is still in dispute over the company’s insistence that the Driver has complete control of the doors. This undermines the important role of the Guard and also undermines station staff who despatch trains.

As you can see, there are still a number of issues that are to be resolved and I will keep you fully advised on developments. In the meantime, I would like to once again, thank our members for the wonderful solidarity you have shown over the weekend. You can tell by the amount of publicity that the action you have taken has had a major effect on First Great Western services.

I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

Best wishes.
 
Mick Cash
General Secretary