OPERATIONAL DUTIES, TRAIN MANAGERS – AVANTI WEST COAST

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

 

12^th June 2024

 

Dear Colleague

 

OPERATIONAL DUTIES, TRAIN MANAGERS – AVANTI WEST COAST

 

Further to my previous correspondence where I informed you that the RMT had declared a dispute situation with AWC over this matter, I can now advise you that I have received the following resolution from our Liverpool No 5 Branch:

 

“Liverpool Avanti Train Managers LLC has been approached by numerous train managers who have had the so-called training for the new 800 series Hitachi trains. All have raised serious concerns with the level of training they have undertaken and the dispatch assessments that follow. Avanti West Coast’s current training programme has serious flaws which are causing many train managers to feel pressured in to accepting the little training they have received. 

 

This leaves them anxious when working the new sets.  

 

Following an emergency branch meeting of Liverpool No5 on Monday 3rd June 2024, we request that the NEC instructs the GS to contact Avanti West Coast and demand that all training of Train Managers on the 800 trains stops until:  

 

• A fully operational train is in place to meet the training needs of all staff.
• A robust training programme is in place, with clear methods of working.
• The dispatch procedures are undertaken in real live situations, with all doors released and platform staff involved.

 

As the TMCC are currently in dispute over these matters The GS is also to inform the company that Train Managers will take action short of strike in the following manner:

 

• The withdrawal of rest day work.
• All peer trainers to withdraw their availability and stop any training until all matters are resolved.”

 

In addition to the above, I have also received an update report from the Lead Officer indicating that the various issues of dispute remain unresolved and that the company has offered further talks to resolve these issues. The Lead Officer suggests a meeting is held with the company and our Train Manager Company Council (TMCC) Reps.

 

Therefore, the matter has been subject to recent consideration by the union’s National Executive Committee who note the resolution from our Liverpool No 5 Branch and thank them for it and I have been instructed to request an urgent updated report from the Lead Officer, following a meeting between our Train Manager Company Council and AWC management, on this issue.

 

I trust this keeps you fully advised on the matter and I will, of course, update you on any further developments.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary