BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – AVANTI WEST COAST

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

14th March 2024

Dear RMT Member,

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – AVANTI WEST COAST

At the end of last year Avanti West Coast provided proposals that formed a basis for further talks with a view to reaching an agreement on the matter. Whilst the proposals demonstrated positive developments, the union remained in dispute with the company over these issues.

Discussions have recently taken place where positive advancements where made. The company were due to provide a list of proposals that would form a further basis of addressing the concerns at the heart of this dispute.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of your Lead Officer and Company Council representatives, the proposals from the company have failed to materialise. The behaviour by Avanti West Coast management does nothing to resolve the already fractious industrial relations.

The union’s National Executive Committee has considered this matter and has thanked the Lead Officer and Company Council representatives for their efforts. However, the actions of Avanti West Coast have left us with no choice but to call further industrial action. Therefore, the Union’s NEC is instructing all Avanti West Coast Train managers to take Strike Action and NOT TO BOOK ON for any shifts that commence between:

· 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Tuesday 2nd April 2024

· 0001 Hours and 2359 Hours on Saturday 6th April 2024

The responsibility of this situation sits firmly with management who have reneged on an agreement negotiated in good faith.

I ask that members remain resilient and continue to support the union and their colleagues during the strike.

I trust this keeps you fully advised, and I will inform you of any further developments on this issue when they arise.

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch 

General Secretary