USE OF AGENCY STAFF – SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

Our Ref: BR2/13/1

 

2^nd January 2024

 

Dear RMT Member,

 

USE OF AGENCY STAFF – SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

 

I have been advised that South Western Railway has once again employed agency workers on the network to check tickets on trains. 

 

It is being reported that training was carried out by members of the Revenue Protection team to several agency staff on how to use Remote Inspection Device (RID) to check oyster card and contactless payment methods. 

 

However, there have been no formal consultation/discussions at either Retail or Guards Company Council. The use of these agency staff goes directly against agreements made within the Guards agreement dispute resolution, and other agreement previously made with the RMT Union and SWR.

 

The actions of the company completely undermine the role of Metro Guards, Commercial Guards and Revenue Protection. This blatant disregard by the employer can only be seen as a direct attack on those working within these grades.

 

Therefore, I have asked the company to remove these agency operatives from undertaking this work with immediate effect. 

 

The Union’s National Executive Committee has considered this matter and has instructed me to advise SWR management that we are now in dispute with them over this issue. Furthermore, should the company fail to remove these agency workers than the RMT Union will have no choice but to ballot members for industrial action. 

 

Should the company fail to address our concerns and to ensure, if necessary, a swift ballot you should advise the Union of any changes to your details. If your job title, address, or workplace has recently changed, then please contact the RMT Helpline by Email at info@rmt.org.uk; Alternatively, you can call the RMT Freephone Helpline number on 0800 376 3706. Additionally, if you know a colleague who has recently moved or changed their employment please ask them to contact the union on one of the above methods.

 

I will continue to keep members advised on the situation. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary