RECOGNITION – TRANSPORT FOR WALES FLEET (SHUNTING GRADES)

Circular No: MF/108/24

Our Ref: ORG/REC/TFW/FG

11^th October 2024

 

 

 

To:    Relevant Members, former RMT Members, Branches and Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleague,

 

RECOGNITION – TRANSPORT FOR WALES FLEET (SHUNTING GRADES)

 

In relation to the above, I understand that some former RMT members who work within the Shunting Grades function at Canton, have reportedly joined our sister-union ASLE&F.

 

While it is the right of colleagues to join any union that they wish, I understand that some may have done so with a perception that amendments to collective bargaining arrangements could be arranged to permit ASLE&F to negotiate collectively on their behalf.

 

I can confirm that this perception is false, and that Transport for Wales have confirmed to RMT in writing that they will not seek to amend existing agreements other than via voluntary agreement from RMT.

 

I have no reason to believe that our sister-union ASLE&F have had any involvement in furthering this perception, and I have written to ASLE&F General Secretary Mick Whelan to ensure he is aware of the situation. Both unions are affiliated to the Trades Union Congress, and work in partnership together, not competition with each other.

 

What this means in practice, is that RMT remains the only union that is bargaining on behalf of Shunting Grades in Canton, and only RMT members can have a say in negotiations governing the terms & conditions, pay and pensions of all Shunting Grades, of all unions and none.

 

RMT often finds itself in a similar position to ASLE&F in other workplaces and sectors, where staff become disillusioned with their recognised trade union, and decide to join RMT. It is never sustainable for an unrecognised union to provide members with a service in circumstances such as these. This is why, in these cases, we are always at pains to attempt to persuade colleagues to be members of the union that is recognised for their grade, regardless of what union that may be.

 

It is also for this reason that whilst we are able to sympathise with our members who have left RMT and joined ASLE&F, I would like to respectfully appeal to those colleagues to rejoin RMT in their own self-interest.

 

Some colleagues will recall RMT’s dispute in 2020, that successfully stopped Transport for Wales from outsourcing your grade. Our unity was our source of strength and ensured that your job and the jobs of all TfW Fleet remained directly employed by the TOC and were not farmed out to whatever private-sector, profiteering firm put in the lowest bid.

 

RMT has always fought hard for all grades in Canton and needs your help to continue to do so. You can join or rejoin RMT here.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary