Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2024 – Merseyrail (General Grades)

Our Ref: BR2/0001/M(GG)

11^th September 2024

 

Dear Colleagues 

 

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2024 – Merseyrail (General Grades)

 

Referring to previous correspondence, I can report that a meeting took place between the union’s National Executive Committee, your Regional Organiser and your Merseyrail Representatives to discuss the 2024 multi-option pay offer. It was the unanimous decision of the meeting that these offers are inadequate, unfair and divisive.   

 

Consequently, the National Executive Committee has instructed me to hold an e-referendum of you and your colleagues so that you can have your say. Additionally, the National Executive Committee is recommending that you vote to reject both options.

 

The National Executive Committee are recommending that your reject these options for the following reasons:  

 

• The percentage figure offered is 0.8% lower on pay award that was accepted by the Train Drivers, which is not something that normally happens and is unacceptable.
• The offer should be 100% pensionable. Train Managers currently only receive 80% pensionable pay. 
• There needs to be an equitable arrangement whereby there is no disparity for Sunday Enhancements between Grades. Currently Train Drivers receive 150%, Train Managers have a temporary agreement for 120%, all other Grades receive 100%

 

The on-line referendum will close at 11:00 hours on Tuesday 24^th September 2024.

 

For ease of reference the options are as follows:

 

Option A

 

• One year offer of 4.6%, plus a fixed increase of £2,200 for those earning on or less than £25,000.
• Offer is February RPI reference point of 4.5% + 0.1%, equalling an offer 4.6%.
• A fixed increase of £2,200 for those earning on or below £25,000 (detailed below), equalling a blended offer of 5.08%.
• For Train Managers only – to pay the pay rise onto the 80% pensionable pay only to start to erode the 20% non-pensionable pay gap and continue to do so in future years.
• For Train Managers only – a further commitment to explore with Merseytravel how to fund a complete erosion of the pensionable pay gap in future years
• No changes to any other terms and conditions.

 

OR

 

Option B

 

• One year offer of 4.6% pot for either (1) all of general grades or (2) specific roles within General Grades, plus a fixed increase of £2,200 for those earning on or less than £25,000.
• Offer is February RPI reference point of 4.5% + 0.1%, equalling an offer of a 4.6% pot
• A fixed increase of £2,200 for those earning on or below £25,000 (detailed above), equalling a blended offer of 5.08%
• For Train Managers only - to pay the pay rise onto the 80% pensionable pay only to start to erode the 20% non-pensionable pay gap and continue to do so in future years
• For Train Managers only - a further commitment to explore with Merseytravel how to fund a complete erosion of the pensionable pay gap in future years
• Using the 4.6% pot to fund permanent changes to Sunday working enhancements by the full grade or by role within the grade, detailed below:

 

 

Referendum instructions: you must have an email address to take part

 

Members will shortly receive an email from 'RMT Referenda' which will allow you to register your vote. Please follow the instructions and make sure you complete this by no later than 11am on Tuesday 24^th September 2024.

 

If you know of any member who has not received this email or if you are having any difficulties voting, please contact referenda@rmt.org.uk or the RMT Helpline on 0800 376 3706. If you do not receive your vote immediately, please check your junk/spam folders before contacting us for a replacement. 

 

VOTE TO REJECT BOTH OPTIONS 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary