OPERATIONAL DUTIES, TRAIN MANAGERS – AVANTI WEST COAST

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

 

9^th July 2024

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

OPERATIONAL DUTIES, TRAIN MANAGERS – AVANTI WEST COAST

 

A resolution has been received from our Wolverhampton Branch raising questions over the current discussions on the operational duties of Train Managers at Avanti West Coast. The implementation of the Hitachi Units and the discussions around operational duties with the company has seen ongoing issues. A report has been received highlighting further issues which the company has failed to address adequately. Notably the following:

 

1. Avanti West Coast reneging on the training plan for shunting and coupling competencies.
2. Avanti West Coast Failing to provide full details, such as the detail and content of diagrams and clear working instructions on the train preparation of Hitachi Units

 

The Unions National Executive Committee has considered this matter and has noted the resolution from our Wolverhampton branch and the Lead Officer’s report. The NEC has instructed me to arrange a meeting with out Train Manager Company council, NEC, Assistant General Secretary and Lead Officer to discuss the dispute. 

 

Furthermore, I have been instructed to ballot all Avanti West Coast Train Managers for industrial action. It is imperative that we achieve the necessary ballot mandate to take industrial action. A successful mandate will give additional weight to this dispute and provide security to the operational duties of Train Managers. 

 

Now more than ever, it is imperative that we stand together and demonstrate our strength of feeling to the company and that we will not allow Avanti West Coast to bully the Train Manager Grade and force through detrimental changes. I am urging members to vote 'YES' to both questions in the ballot for industrial action.

 

Therefore, the ballot for industrial action will open on Tuesday 16^th July 2024 and will close on Thursday 8^thAugust 2024.

 

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

 

I urge members not to waste their vote and to vote 'YES' for strike action and industrial action short of a strike.

 

PROTECT YOUR GRADE

VOTE YES FOR STRIKE ACTION

VOTE YES FOR ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary