
7 July 2016
RMT:
TO ALL GTR SOUTHERN CONDUCTORS.
Our Ref BR2/0146
7th July 2016
TO ALL GTR SOUTHERN CONDUCTORS
ROLE OF THE GUARD AND EXTENSION OF DOO – SOUTHERN GTR
I write to give members an update on the latest developments in our long running dispute with GTR which saw successful strike action on 21st June. You and your colleagues are be congratulated for your continued solidarity throughout this dispute and the rock solid action that was taken.
The National Executive Committee has considered GTR’s decision to implement the On Board Supervisor role from 21st August 2016 and we are seeking legal advice on the implications of this. For example we are considering the legality of their failure to implement a proper formal selection process and instead offering jobs on a first come first serve basis. Additionally we are clarifying how the change to the OBS roles will affect our ability to use our existing ballot mandate to call industrial action in the future. We are also looking into the practicality of creating a pro forma so that those who do not wish to become OBS staff can formally protest against being forced into the new role. Once the legal advice has been received, and this has been considered by the National Executive Committee, we will clarify our recommendations to members at the earliest opportunity.
Furthermore we are urgently preparing publicity for a public campaign amongst GTR passengers against the extension of DOO. Passengers and staff alike are bearing the brunt of the shambolic way Govia are managing services and the public support for our campaign is real and growing. They too can see the cavalier way in which GTR have dealt with this dispute and seem determined to destroy their services rather than address our concerns.
The NEC has also noted the GTR are introducing planned cuts to their services and the new emergency timetable which has drastically reduced the number of trains. They continue to fail at the most basic level to run a proper service and the NEC has instructed me to approach our sister unions ASLEF and TSSA to discuss the possibility of an industrial response.
I will keep members fully informed of any further developments.
UNITY IS STRENGTH Yours sincerely Mick Cash General Secretary