DE-RECOGNITION – SUPERVISORY AND CLERICAL GRADES CROSS COUNTRY

Our Ref: ORG/REC/XC

 

22^nd February 2024

 

 

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

DE-RECOGNITION – SUPERVISORY AND CLERICAL GRADES

CROSS COUNTRY

 

With reference to the above, I am writing to advise you that your Union has notified Cross Country Trains Limited that a dispute now exists following their failure to confirm that RMT is recognised in respect of the Supervisory and Clerical Grades.

 

Cross Country incorrectly claims that RMT gave up these recognition rights in 2012. The RMT is an all-Grades union and we assert our right to negotiate for all members at Cross Country. Engagement with Cross Country has been extremely difficult, due to the numerous changes in personnel, it has meant that those with decision-making responsibilities are unfamiliar with existing and established agreements. 

 

Following an Avoidance of Dispute Meeting in 2019, the RMT received a clear position of acceptance from Cross Country regarding recognition. Therefore, the company’s current position reneges on the agreement made in 2019, which dates back to the 1950’s, and demonstrates a level of bad faith. This has created a situation whereby RMT has lost trust and cannot engage on collective issues until this matter is resolved, such as pay, memorandum of understanding pay 2023 – 2024 and going forward. 

 

We cannot allow Cross Country to determine or undermine our recognition agreement. This is the thin end of the wedge and should we allow them to pursue the de-recognition of the RMT in the Supervisory and Clerical Grades, it will then give the company a greenlight to ride roughshod over your hard-won terms and conditions, and potentially de-recognise your union to represent other grades.

 

At a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on 20^th February, the NEC determined that Cross Country members are to be balloted for Strike Action and Action Short of Strike in the form of no overtime or Rest Day Working.

 

Ballot papers will be despatched on 28^th February and the ballot will close on 21^st March 2024.

 

When you receive your ballot paper, I would urge you to send a message to the company that their actions are totally unacceptable by voting ‘YES’ to both questions. 

 

If you do not receive your voting paper by Wednesday 6^th March or know of a colleague who has not received it, please call the freephone helpline on 0800 376 3706, RMT Head Office on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk to request a replacement.

 

UNITY IS STRENGTH!

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary