SENIOR CONDUCTORS/TRAIN MANAGERS DUTIES – CROSS COUNTRY

To All Cross Country Senior Conductor & Train Manager RMT Members

Our Ref: BR2/14/1

17th November 2021

RMT BALLOTS ALL CROSS COUNTRY SENIOR CONDUCTOR &
TRAIN MANAGER MEMBERS FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Dear Colleague

OTHER STAFF CARRYING OUT
SENIOR CONDUCTORS/TRAIN MANAGERS DUTIES – CROSS COUNTRY

I write with regards to the above matter and to inform you that I have received a report from the Lead Officer indicating that Cross Country are training staff from various departments to undertake Guard duties. An Avoidance of Disputes meeting was held on the 11th November 2021 and despite the best efforts of your Union Reps, unfortunately we have not been able to resolve this very important issue.

The union’s National Executive Committee has considered the matter and are disappointed that Cross Country are still insisting on training up and utilising other staff who are not Senior Conductors or Train Managers to undertake Guard duties. These actions from management undermines the safety critical role and responsibilities of the Guard and the Union cannot accept this position. Therefore, the Executive Committee has instructed me to advise the company that we are now in dispute over this matter and to ballot you and your colleagues for Industrial Action.

The ballot for industrial action will open on Wednesday 24th November 2021 and will close on Thursday 9th December 2021. The ballot will be for Strike Action and Industrial Action Short of a Strike in the form of a rest day working ban, an overtime ban and not to undertake coaching duties or shadowing duties.

If you have not received a ballot paper by Tuesday 30th November 2021 then please contact the RMT Helpline by email at info@rmt.org.uk or by calling the freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switch board on 020 7387 4771 and ask for the industrial relations department, where a replacement ballot paper will be sent to your home address by first class post. Additionally, if you are aware of a colleague who has not received their ballot paper, please ask them to call one of the above numbers to update their details and to receive a replacement ballot paper.

It is imperative that we get a massive return in the ballot for industrial action so we are not prevented from acting on our members' wishes by the ballot thresholds. Failure to meet these thresholds means industrial action cannot happen so a high turnout is absolutely crucial. I urge you not to waste your vote and to vote 'YES' for strike action and for industrial action short of a strike when you receive your ballot paper.

I trust this keeps you fully advised on the matter and I will, of course, update you on any further developments.

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch
General Secretary