RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2024 - FIRST SOUTH WEST

Our Ref: B/0001/FSW

 

20^th June 2024

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2024 - FIRST SOUTH WEST

 

RMT started talks with the Company early in February this year to allow plenty of time for the Company to make an offer which would meet your aspirations for a substantial increase in rates of pay, with no strings, no changes to terms and conditions and a one-year deal.

 

A series of meetings with the Company have taken place, including meetings with ACAS, but First South West has failed to table any suitable offer. A referendum amongst you and your colleagues resulted in an overwhelming rejection of both options as either pay award would leave First South West members amongst the lowest paid transport workers in the region.

 

A final meeting took place on Monday 17^th June in an effort to resolve this matter and receive an improved offer but the Company instead announced that it would be closing Helston outstation and members would face disruption from having to book on elsewhere. In return, the Company offered an ‘improved’ pay offer of £0.65p increase (5%) on the pound for all grades, backdated to 1^st April 2024.

 

The National Executive Committee has considered this matter and thanked your Representatives for their efforts in trying to secure a pay award that would be worthy of acceptance. The NEC is frustrated that, following First Groups announcement of soaring profits last week, the offer made can only be described as an insult. The National Executive Committee has therefore taken the decision to declare a dispute with First South West and ballot members for strike action and action short of a strike in the form of no overtime and no rest day working. I am also now seeking an assurance from the Company that our depot in Helston will not be used to leverage or fund a pay deal.

 

Your ballot paper will be posted to you on Tuesday 25^th June and the closing date for the ballot is Tuesday 9^th July 2024. If you do not receive your ballot paper, please call the RMT Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk. 

 

VOTE YES FOR STRIKE ACTION AND ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE

 

RETURN YOUR BALLOT PAPER

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary