BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – CROSS COUNTRY TRAINS

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

 

29^th May 2024

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – CROSS COUNTRY TRAINS

 

In February, the Union entered into dispute with Cross Country over several issues, leading to a Breakdown in Industrial Relations. For reference the issues outlined in the dispute letter were as follows:

 

• Team Organiser Terms and Conditions
• Discipline and Grievance Procedure and Template Letters
• Representatives Release
• Refusal to Provide Daily Pay Sheets
• Imposition of Policies

 

At the recent Avoidance of Dispute meeting several of the outstanding issues have been resolved. However, the issue relating to the Team Organisers Terms and Conditions remains unresolved, as this can only be discussed when Cross Country management reverses the decision to derecognise the RMT for Supervisory and Clerical grades. 

 

During the AoD meeting positive progress was made on the other issues listed. The Union’s National Executive Committee has considered this matter and noting the progress that has been made has instructed me to inform our representatives and Lead Officer to resume normal industrial relations. With the exception of JNC matters and any meetings associated with pay. 

 

This is of course due to the company’s decision to derecognise the RMT for members which the Union has recognition for. The RMT are unable to enter into negotiations at the JNC level, whilst this matter remains unresolved and the company continues to derecognise the RMT. Therefore, JNC matters will not be discussed at meetings, unless of course to resolve the matter of derecognition. 

 

Whilst the meetings have demonstrated a positive step in resolving industrial matters it is frustrating that the company continue to treat your Union and the long-standing recognition agreements with contempt. The Union is continuing to apply pressure to the company and are pursing this matter so that our members can be fully recognised, and normal industrial relations can resume, allowing important collective matters, such as pay, to be negotiated. 

 

I trust this keeps you advised, and I will continue to keep you updated on these developments. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary