Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2024 – OCS (LNER Contract)

Our Ref: BR1/0001/OCS(LNER)

24^th April 2024

 

Dear Colleagues 

 

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2024 – OCS (LNER Contract) 

 

I have received a report from the Regional Organiser advising she has attended several meetings with OCS Group (LNER) seeking a substantial pay award and improvement to terms and conditions. From the negotiations with the employer, it was made clear that they were unwilling to offer anything more than the amount prescribed by the Living Wage Foundation. They would not be moved from this position through argument. It was made clear that this was an immovable position the employer had pre-determined as reasonable.

 

The only movement she was able to make through negotiation was in achieving one week paid sick pay for an accident at work that is RIDDOR reportable (and short of a personal injury claim). The employer rejected our request for travel benefits stating that they would incur the cost of this at the full rate. As such, it was claimed to be unaffordable for OCS Group to offer anything.

 

The only other improvement she was able to make further to the above was an agreement in principle for an Equality Representative as part of the machinery of negotiation, and for them to have facility time in the role. At the last meeting on Thursday 18^th April 2024, the company made clear that they were going to implement their pay offer irrespective of the Regional Organiser’s wish for improvements. 

 

Noting the views of the Regional Organiser, the union’s National Executive Committee has instructed me to inform the company of our acceptance of the offer. This instruction has been carried out and I have requested that the increase is paid at the earliest opportunity. Although the National Executive Committee has accepted the Living Wage Foundation uplift, this is neither a victory or the pinnacle of our aspirations. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary