DISMISSAL, KOREN KEEPIN, TRAIN MANAGER – LONDON NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY

Our Ref: BR2/4/1

 

17^th April 2024

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

DISMISSAL, KOREN KEEPIN, TRAIN MANAGER – LONDON NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY

 

Our Newcastle Rail and Catering Branch have submitted a resolution outlining the appalling treatment of our Sister Koren Keepin, who has been unfairly dismissed by LNER.

 

Koren was involved in out of work incident, where the police were involved. However, Koren vehemently denies any wrongdoing and is currently pursuing the matter through the UK legal system. Sister Keepin has followed the company’s procedures and informed them of this incident. Koren has abided by LNER’s rules and in return has faced an abhorrent dismissal process.

 

The actions the company have taken against Koren is unacceptable and a total disregard for the due process of this country’s legal system. The company has decided to act as judge and jury in dismissing Koren, without any factual evidence or proof of wrongdoing. 

 

Members of staff are rightly concerned at the overzealous and heavy-handed approach to this situation. The dystopian actions of LNER cannot be tolerated. I have written to the company and insisted that they immediately reinstate Koren to their substantive role as a Train manager, pending the outcome of the current legal process. It is not managements place to pass judgement and assumed guilt on an individual when the due legal process has yet to be concluded. 

 

The Union’s National Executive Committee has considered this matter and have expressed their disgust at the unfair treatment and subsequent dismissal of Sister Keepin. Acting under instruction of the NEC I have informed the company that we are now in dispute with them over this situation. 

 

The actions of LNER puts every member at risk, the company cannot be allowed to act with impunity at the expense of your jobs. Therefore, the Union’s NEC has instructed me to ballot LNER members at Newcastle Central Station for strike action and action short of strike in the form of an overtime ban, rest day working ban and a ban on carrying out higher grade duties.

 

Therefore, the ballot will open on Wednesday 24^th April 2024 and will close on Thursday 16^th May 2024. 

 

We must defend our colleague during this difficult time. This injustice could happen to any grade and any member. An injury to one is an injury to all. 

 

It is imperative that we get a massive return in the ballot for industrial action, so we are not prevented from acting on members' wishes by the anti-trade union ballot thresholds. Failure to meet these thresholds means industrial action cannot happen, so a high turnout is crucial.

 

Return your paper and support your colleague, let us send LNER a clear message that we will not allow them to abuse the disciplinary process and put every member’s job at risk.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary