22 September 2016
RMT Press Office:
RMT calls for urgent meeting with Transport Minister in wake of train derailment near Watford.
TRAIN UNION RMT has written to the Transport Minister, Chris Grayling MP, calling for an urgent meeting in the wake of last week’s derailment of a London Midland train near Watford.
The union wrote to the Minister after previous refusals to meet and in a bid to bring an end to the long-running dispute with GTR/Southern over their attempts to remove safety critically trained Guards and impose Driver Only Operation.
RMT wants to push home the point that in light of this recent incident it is clear that critical safety trained staff are absolutely essential in the running of a railway – and that the Transport Minister is in a position to help put an end to the long-running dispute between the union and GTR/Southern – where the company is putting profit before safety.
In the letter, RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:
“Whilst the full details of the incident and the subsequent contact with another train will be fully investigated, it is clear from the initial reports from my members that the Guards on both trains played a vital role in protecting the passengers and the trains in what were extremely frightening circumstances. If the train had been DOO and without a Guard the consequences would have been far worse.”
“I am also sure you are aware that we have reached a deal with Scotrail that we are recommending for acceptance in a referendum of our members, that guarantees a fully competent Conductor (trained in rules, track and evacuation) on every new train. The Conductor will also have the responsibility to carry out train dispatch duties and will confirm to the driver that it is safe to depart. This is a sensible agreement and one which protects passengers and guarantee’s a second safety trained member of staff on board a train who can assist in the unfortunate event of an incident like we have just seen in Watford.
“I hope you will accept that critical safety trained staff are absolutely essential in the running of a railway and that in light of these recent developments you will you reconsider your refusal to talk with me on this matter.”
Ends
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