Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2023 – Carlisle Support Services (Northern Trains Revenue and Gateline Contract)

Our Ref: BR1/0001/CSS(NTL)

1^st March 2024

 

Dear Colleagues 

 

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2023 – Carlisle Support Services (Northern Trains Revenue and Gateline Contract)

 

Referring to previous correspondence, I can report that the 48-hour strike action was solidly supported by RMT members. The Gateline operators during the strike were mainly staffed by Northern On-board Revenue Officers, who had been trained up in the previous week as contingency Gateline staff, in order to undermine the dispute. Most, if not all, outstations remained unstaffed throughout the two days of the strike action.  

 

Additionally, with members now refusing to charge all workplace equipment at home, it has resulted in many Gatelines being unable to sell or scan tickets. I have heard reports that your employer has resorted to scurrying around the network, in order to provide fully charged equipment to Gateline staff, this is an attempt by management to hastily comply with the terms of their franchise commitment.

 

So, it is therefore clear that all the industrial action is having a big impact on the ability of Carlisle Support Services to provide a service to Northern Trains Ltd. However, despite all the pressure on the company, since the two days of strike action management has refused to meet with your union to discuss this matter.  

 

Having considered this matter and noting the opinions of your Representatives, the National Executive Committee has called the following strike action:

 

You are instructed not to book on for any shifts that commence between:

 

• 00:01 hours and 23:59 hours on Saturday 16^th March 2024

 

To comply with legal advice the continuous instruction not to charge any work equipment at home, including mobile phones, body cams and printers is suspended for the duration of the strike but will commence again immediately after the strike action has concluded. 

 

This action has been forced on us by the arrogance and inaction of Carlisle Support Services. It is time to show management that you will not be brow-beaten by their bully-boy tactics and that you are resolute in your struggle against their ever-growing intransigence.

 

I will also write to Northern Trains Limited stating that they are ultimately responsible for this dispute, as the contract holder, and that they must pressure Carlisle Support Services to bring this to an end otherwise they will continue to suffer further financial and reputational damage.

 

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your commitment and support for your union during this dispute.

 

I will keep you advised of further developments in this matter.

 

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch

General Secretary