RMT TO RE-BALLOT TPE CONDUCTOR GRADE MEMBERS DUE TO ANTI-TRADE UNION LAWS

To All TPE Conductor Grade RMT Members

 

Our Ref: BR2/9/4

 

6^th March 2024

 

 

Dear Colleague

 

RMT TO RE-BALLOT TPE CONDUCTOR GRADE MEMBERS 

DUE TO ANTI-TRADE UNION LAWS

 

NEW TECHNOLOGY PAYMENT – TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS

 

The RMT remains in dispute with TransPennine Express over the company’s refusal to make payments to our Conductor grade members for the scanning of electronic tickets. This dispute has been ongoing for many months and your strength, unity and determination has been incredible throughout.

 

However, there have been very cynical additions made in the 2016 Trade Union Act which put even greater restrictions on workers taking industrial action. These restrictions are some of the most draconian in Europe. 

 

One of the consequences of the new laws is that all ballots held after March 2017 are only valid for a six-month period from the date they close. It does not matter whether the dispute is ongoing or industrial action is being taken. It takes no notice of the fact that you are continuing this principled fight. 

 

Therefore, we have no choice but to conduct another ballot and get a fresh mandate from members and your Union is asking you to return a magnificent ‘YES’vote as you did in the previous ballot. 

 

On Wednesday 13^th March 2024, the Independent Scrutineer Civica Election Services Ltd will send a ballot paper to your home address and the ballot will close on Tuesday 2^nd April 2024. Please make sure you use your vote and vote ‘YES’ for strike action and ‘YES’ for industrial action short of a strike, in the form of a rest day working, overtime ban and refusal to use electronic ticket scanners.

 

It is imperative that we win this ballot for industrial action to win a fair deal on ticket scanning and to strengthen the Union’s hand in future negotiations. 

 

I urge you to keep up the magnificent support for your Union and vote strongly in favour of strike action and industrial action short of a strike in the forthcoming ballot. Due to the anti-trade union laws, now more than ever, it is massively important to get a big turnout and a strong vote in favour of action.

 

USE YOUR VOTE

SUPPORT YOUR UNION

VOTE ‘YES’ FOR STRIKE ACTION

VOTE ‘YES’ FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary