PAYMENT FOR GLASSES, SENIOR CONDUCTORS – WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS

To All West Midlands Trains Senior Conductor Grade RMT Members

 

Our Ref: BR2/3/7

 

20^th March 2024 

 

 

Dear Colleague

 

PAYMENT FOR GLASSES, SENIOR CONDUCTORS – WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS

 

I have received the following resolution from our Birmingham Rail Branch with regards to the above matter:

 

“As a branch we are concerned that West Midlands Trains Senior Conductors are being put at both a financial detriment and could also impact H&S as Senior Conductors may not have the required two pairs of glasses tinted and un-tinted whilst working trains caused by a change in the process and the amount that can be claimed by staff who have to wear glasses for work. 

 

Despite numerous attempts by the Senior Conductor Company Council, H&S Reps at Joint Safety Committee and the Regional Organiser writing to the company on several occasions in an attempt to resolve this issue, the company do not seem to want to resolve it so we now feel it is time to force WMT to take the matter seriously and we are requesting that a Breakdown in Industrial Relations is recorded on this matter and a Ballot for Strike Action & Action Short of a Strike which would consist of a ban on overtime working, rest days and Sundays. 

 

Previously West Midlands Trains Conductors received for Vision Express £100 per pair plus an additional £35 per pair if the glasses were varifocals. Plus the cost of the eye test. 

 

Up to a maximum of £270 for 2 pairs of varifocals or £200 for 2 pairs of single lens glasses. 

 

It has been agreed conductors can now also wear tinted glasses so we have to have 4 pairs of glasses, we are given £100 plus £39 if varifocals plus an eye test at Spec-savers, so that’s half the previous payment for 2 pairs of glasses let alone 4. 

 

As the voucher is now for Spec-savers the company are stating that as its buy one get one free, the higher amount given when using Vision Express is no longer required and conductors can buy their own tinted glasses. 

 

This new payment was never discussed or agreed. 

 

The Drivers Grade can go to any optician and receive £500 for non tint and tinted glasses, they then submit the receipt to the company for payment. There is a lack of equality between both grades. 

 

The company have introduced a policy without agreement or discussion with the Senior Conductor Grade and as a resolution we are seeking either to return to the original process with the voucher being increased to cover tinted glasses or to be treated the same as the driving grade with vouchers available to those who cannot afford the original outlay, we all look at the same signals.”

 

In addition to the above, I have received a report from the Lead Officer, indicating that this issue was raised at the Senior Conductor Company Council meeting held in February and that the company are looking into the matter. The Lead Officer also reports that this item will be discussed at the next JSC, due to take place on the 23^rd April 2024, in an attempt to get parity across all grades.

 

The matter has been subject to recent consideration by the union’s National Executive Committee who thank our Birmingham Rail Branch for their resolution and note the report from the Lead Officer. The Executive Committee awaits further updates on the matter following conclusion of the JSC meeting, which will be placed back before the NEC for further consideration.

 

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

 

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch

General Secretary