ECRO GRADING, SCOTLAND — NETWORK RAIL

Our Ref: BR5/2/2

 

28^th February 2024

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

ECRO GRADING, SCOTLAND — NETWORK RAIL

 

Further to previous correspondence, I am writing to advise members that your Lead Officer and National Operations Councils Representatives have been engaged in discussions with Network Rail in an extraordinary meeting of the ECRO Joint Working Group in which the level of participation was raised to Director Level.

 

I was instructed to obtain a satisfactory proposal which will deliver our members in Cathcart a much needed uplift in Grading.

 

Network Rail have proposed:

• Grades in Cathcart will increase from a grade 7 to a grade 8, based on the current Red Book methodology. 
• Three additional Electrical Control Rooms (Didcot, Brighton, Paddock Wood) will also increase in grade.
• The grades for new starters should be one grade below the grade of the ECO location for single graded locations and 2 grades below the maximum grade in dual graded locations, until they are passed as competent in role.
• An alternative approach to grading is to be implemented by May 2024, as agreed with RMT National Representatives. In the meantime, a revision to grading boundaries is proposed.

These proposed changes to grading of ECOs, for new starters, and for grading boundaries can be viewed here.

 

However, while progress has undoubtably been made, the offer presented by Network Rail, which was carefully considered by your representatives, is unacceptable for the following reasons:

• The offer is for grade uplifts to be awarded on a ‘personal’ basis, rather than a grading of the location.
• The offer is based on the introduction of a trainee grade.
• The offer includes a proposed move of the grade 8 points cap from 4000 to 4,500 points.

 

Therefore, the proposal has been rejected.  

 

The question of Cathcart Grading is returned to the Avoidance of Dispute procedure in Scotland. 

 

The business of the ECRO Joint Working Group will continue.

 

Affected members are also reminded that the action previously called, beginning with industrial action short of a strike on Wednesday 6^th March 2024 remains in place. I am sure all members will show their support for members involved in this dispute and I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary