Welcome to all RMT Arriva Trains Wales members
This website has been created in order to improve the information available to all members employed by ATW and will hopefully become a useful resource for our members.
Unity is Strength / Mewn Undeb Mae Nerth
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Latest News
- 03/12/09 Important RMT Circular to Network Rail Signal Staff (South Wales area)
Imposition of Rosters – South Wales Control Centre, Network Rail
Congratulations on returning a two-to-one majority for action in the ballot that closed today.
The General Grades Committee met today to consider the dispute and has called strike action for all shifts commencing between 00:01 on Monday December 14 and 23:59 on Saturday December 19. An overtime ban has also been called covering the same period. - 23/11/09 ATW Stations Consultation Update I met with the Company at a senior level at the end of last week.
A more detailed letter will be with you shortly.
Unity is strength – together we will win
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow,
RMT General Secretary
In a clear victory for RMT the Company have now agreed to withdraw all of the Consultation document for Station and Ticket office grades.
The only remaining action is that the Company are contining to withdraw two part-time posts (2 x 10hr per week) from Harlech. If the staff do not appeal then they will have deemed to have accepted the redundancy. Neither employee is currently an RMT member and so no request for assistance has been received. Reps are trying to make contact.
The Company have now accepted that the proposals will have to be negotiated if they want to progress them.
Brendan Kelly
RMT Regional Organiser
- 21/11/09 ATW Stations Consultation Update
Following my recent correspondence with the Company and views I have received from RMT station Reps I have today met with ATW to make the RMT position absolutely clear.
We do not agree or accept their consultation document
and it must be withdrawn. If the Company wish to make these sort of changes then they will need to make proposals on Harmonisation which will be of benefit to Platform and Ticket office. grades.
We are absolutely opposed to the threat of Compulsory Redundancies.
Failure by the Company to withdraw these proposals will mean that RMT will ballot our members for Industrial Action. The Company will respond by Friday 20th November and I will then put out a circular and submit a report to the RMT Executive.
I am pleased to say that Reps from other grades have been quick to say how much they support this strong stance from RMT.
I believe our members are expecting the RMT union to take a strong stand on these issues and this is exactly what we have done.
Brendan Kelly
RMT Regional Organiser - Election of RMT President: Bridgend Llantrisant & District, Cardiff Rail, Cardiff 7, Swansea No 1, Brecon, Pontypridd, Upper Rhymney Valley and Rhondda Branches are proud to nominate Brother ALEX GORDON for the position of RMT President. Brother Gordon has recieved the nomination of over 40 RMT branches nationwide which is a clear indication of both the respect held and ability of the candidate. Ballot papers will be sent to all home addresses w/c 26th October 2009 and member who does not recieve a ballot paper please call 0800 376 3706. For a campaign poster please click here
- Bridgend, Llantrisant & District Branch RMT Next Meeting: Monday 12th October 2009 at The Pontyclun Athletic Club, Castan Road Pontyclun commencing at 19.30hrs.
- 21/07/09 RMT Press Release Arriva Cross Country:
RMT to ballot for strike action at Arriva Cross Country Bristol depot over unfair dismissal
RAIL UNION RMT announced today that they will begin balloting members at the Bristol depot of Arriva Cross Country on Friday for strike action in support of RMT member Mohammed Darboe over his unfair dismissal by the company from his post as a retail service manager.
Mohammed Darboe had his dismissal confirmed at an appeal hearing on the 2nd July over allegations of gross misconduct in respect of cash handling which RMT say are inaccurate, unproven and totally unfair to a loyal and hard-working members of staff with a long and unblemished track record including a series of service awards and commendations.
Bob Crow, RMT general secretary said today:
“Having studied the case, RMT is in no doubt that that the evidence against Mohammed is circumstantial and there is no specific detailed evidence to suggest dishonesty or theft, which are primarily the charges against him with regard to cash handling arrangements.
When set against his work record there is clear inconsistency with his 15 years of service. Mohammed has a first class attendance record, he has received a number of grade service awards and he was shown to be 100% committed to his work during an on-board assessment as well as receiving commendations on several occasions.
Therefore RMT is demanding the immediate reinstatement of Mohammed Darboe to his substantive post within Arriva Cross Country. In defence of Mohammed RMT has agreed to ballot all our members employed by Arriva Cross Country at Bristol Depot for strike action.
The ballot will open on Friday 24th July 2009 and will close on Tuesday 4th August 2009 and we are calling for a strong Yes vote to send a clear message to Arriva Cross Country that the treatment of Mohammed Darboe is totally unacceptable.”
- Cardiff Rail Branch next meeting Wednesday 12th August 2009 at The Sandringham Hotel St Mary's St Cardiff commencing at 18.00hrs. Special Guest at the meeting will be RMT General Secretary Bob Crow please make every effort to attend.
- 15/07/09 RMT Press Release Arriva Cross Country:
RMT members vote four to one for action at Arriva Cross Country
RMT members working for Arriva Cross Country have vote overwhelmingly by four to one on a 55% turn out to take action in a dispute over a breakdown in industrial relations around pay and a series of issues relating to working conditions.
The RMT ballot, for action short of a strike, concluded yesterday and has given the union a solid mandate to take the dispute forward. RMT reps from across the company will meet next week to decide on a strategy.
Arriva Cross Country runs rail services over a wide geographical area stretching across England and into Wales and Scotland.
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said today:
“Our members have voted by a massive four to one margin for action on Arriva Cross Country and that solid mandate is a reflection of just how angry they are at the company’s divisive approach to both pay and a range of issues relating to working conditions. It’s that approach which has led to this breakdown in industrial relations.
“RMT company representatives will now discuss the strategy for taking this dispute forward at a meeting next week.
“RMT remains available for talks and we would encourage Arriva Cross Country to take the opportunity to sit down and work out an agreement on pay and service conditions which gives all staff a fair deal.”
- 08/07/09 RMT Circular:
Dear Colleagues
ATW DRIVERS – INTEGRATION OF CARDIFF DEPOT
I am now in a position to give a final update into the situation regarding our dispute over the integration of Cardiff depot. As you will be aware the General Grades Committee agreed to suspend the planed industrial action to allow further discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
During these discussions we were able to reach an agreement with ATW which represented a clear vindication of the principled position taken by RMT Driver members, Representatives and the Union nationally. Our agreement ensures that in any further discussions on integration, the Valley Drivers and Mainline Drivers will both have fair and equal representation. In fact the Company has agreed to one additional LDC position as part of this agreement.
We should not underestimate the importance of this achievement, not only does this success prove our Union’s increased influence amongst Valley and Mainline Drivers alike but it also shows that by taking a principled policy position and at the same time seeking to build a united position with our sister trade union around these principles, we will encourage the one thing that all Drivers recognise as vital, namely unity in the grade and with other grades.
I would like to thank all the Representatives, Activists and Members who have been involved in this matter for their commitment and solidarity that they have shown, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, in order for us to accomplish this very significant result.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
GENERAL SECRETARY
- Cardiff Rail Branch next meeting Wednesday 8th July 2009 at The Sandringham Hotel Cardiff commencing at 18.00hrs
- Cardiff Rail Branch launches new website www.rmtcardiffrail.org.uk
- NO2EU Yes To Democracy PRESS RELEASE-
No2EU – Yes to Democracy declares slate of candidates for June 4th vote
No2EU – Yes to Democracy, Britain’s newest political party, today declared its full slate of candidates for the Euro elections on June 4th.
No2EU – Yes to Democracy is running in every region of the UK, with the exception of Northern Ireland, and will be the only national challenge from the left to the traditional political elite.
The party is opposed to the Lisbon Treaty and the attack on democracy from the EU but is also pro workers rights and public services and firmly opposed to the racist poison of the BNP.
Amongst the candidates on the No2EU-Yes to Democracy slate are Bob Crow, general secretary of RMT, leading human rights lawyer John Hendy QC, former Coventry MP Dave Nellist, Dyal Singh Bagri, President of the Indian Workers Association, Solidarity’s Tommy Sheridan and convenors from the Lindsey Oil Refinery and yesterdays Olympics site protest. They are joined by experienced trade union and community activists from every contested region.
“No2EU-Yes to Democracy is a grassroots movement which reaches into workplaces and local communities across the UK. That is reflected in the slate of candidates which we have announced today,” Bob Crow, No2EU Convenor, said.
“We now expect the media to respect our organisation and to give us the access to coverage that we expect and deserve as a national political party. The turn out on June 4th is a crucial issue for the future of politics in this country and it does nobody any favours to stifle debate on the whole undemocratic nature of the EU and its institutions.
“You can barely get a fag paper between the Euro policies of the main political parties so it’s little wonder the majority of people are disengaged. We want a proper debate, from the left, which challenges the hate agenda of the BNP and the narrow-mindedness of UKIP and which flies the banner of workers rights and public ownership. We stand opposed to the EU gravy train and the bankers and bosses Europe,” Bob Crow said.
NO2EU-Yes to Democracy candidate list
Wales – Four candidates
Rob Griffiths – Communist Party of Britain general secretary
Rob Williams – Unite convener of the Linemar plant in Swansea
Laura Picand – UNISON Wales staff member
Trevor Jones – Deeside trades council secretary
South West – Six candidates
Alex Gordon – RMT executive committee
Roger Davey – Health worker
Rachel Lynch – NUT activist (pc)
Nick Quirk – RMT executive committee
John Chambers – Retired T&G union official
Paul Dyer – Barnstaple trades council secretary - 12/05/09-The April edition of the Carmarthen Branch newsletter has now been added to the Branch (Carmarthen) section of the site
- 11/05/09-No2EU supporters confront BNP in Carlisle
No2EU:Yes to Democracy supporters clashed on saturday with members of the BNP in Carlisle as they were out campaigning for for RMT-backed left-wing coalition which is contesting seats across the UK in next months Euro elections on June 4.
Police were called after the BNP reacted with hostility to No2EU campaigners handing out leaflets in close proximity to the regular BNP street stall in Carlisle . In an hour long standoff RMT/No2EU campaigners refused to be moved on by the BNP.
Shoppers told the No2 EU campaigners that they were delighted that at last someone had had the courage to stand up to the BNP on the streets of Carlisle .
ASLEF activist and No2EU candidate John Metcalfe said:
"The BNP have been leafletting Carlisle City Centre for months and obviously didn't take kindly to being exposed for the fascists that they are by our campaign. They were openly agressive and hostile and it didn't take long before the mask slipped and they started shouting fascist slogans."
Craig Johnson, from the RMT Executive and another member of the No2EU slate, added:
"I have lived and worked in and loved the city of Carlisle for 45 years. No one is going to intimidate and harass me off the streets of my home town."
Bob Crow, RMT general secretary and convenor of No2EU, said:
"RMT members and No2EU supporters will not bow to intimidation from the BNP in Carlisle or anywhere else in the country. What today's incident proves is that the BNP are worried about the socialist message of No2EU and it's appeal to voters who are sick of the political elite in the UK and in the EU. No2EU is the only left-wing group challenging the BNP on the streets for the votes of the angry and the disaffected on June 4th.
"We will be stepping up our campaign in the coming weeks and offering voters a socialist alternative to the poison and hatred of the far right," he said. - The next meeting of Cardiff Rail Branch will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2009 at the Sandringham Hotel, St Mary's Street Cardiff from 18.00hrs
- 09/05/09-RMT Young Members 'Battle of the Bands' Brixton Jamm Saturday 13th June 2009-for more details please click here
- 05/05/09-The latest At Seat Catering newsletter has been added to the At Seat section of the site
- 1/05/09- RMT launches RMTV
- 30/04/09-The funeral of Brother Mark Williams will take place on Friday 8th May 2009 at St, Catherine’s Church, Mill Road Caerphilly 14.30hrs then on to Thornhill Crematorium at 15.30hrs. This will then be followed by a reception at
The Courthouse, Caerphilly (Cardiff Road)
Mrs Williams (Gaynor)
Does not want Mark’s last day out with her,
to be a sombre occasion.
So, she is asking that all friends who attend his last bash!
Wear
A Manchester United Shirt
Or
The type of clothes that they would wear if going for a
Night out,
STRICTLY NO BLACK TIE ! - 28/04/09 RMT Press Release-
RMT announces engineering workers strike and Day of Action as Hoon rejects calls to halt jobs massacre on the railways
RMT ANNOUNCED today that around 1000 rail engineering members at one of Network Rail’s key contractors, Jarvis, will be taking industrial action on May 5 2009 in response to plans by the company to axe 450 jobs as union talks with Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon broke up with the government failing to give assurances on job cuts in the rail industry.
RMT members at Jarvis will refuse to carry out overtime for all shifts on Tuesday May 5 and will strike on the same day between 12.00 and 13.00hrs. May 5 has also been designated as a Day of Action by RMT and hundreds of rail workers and their supporters will descend on parliament to demand:
An end to cuts in rail jobs and services. A freeze in shareholder dividends with all profits instead invested to protect services and jobs.
An urgent industry-wide programme so our railways can provide a green stimulus to the economy to help fight the economic downturn.
A wholly integrated, publicly-owned and accountable People’s Railway and London Underground which put people before profit and where passengers and workers have a real voice
RMT is currently balloting engineering members for industrial action at five other key Network Rail contractors over the threat to jobs and on Friday May 1 nearly 700 RMT members will strike for 24 hours on Stagecoach subsidiary East Midlands Trains over plans to slash 200 jobs.
“Nobody should underestimate the determination of RMT members to fight off the jobs massacre that is being lined up for the railway industry. Geoff Hoon and the Labour Government should be ashamed that they are sitting back and doing nothing while the private companies, who have taken billions in profits and subsidies from the taxpayer in recent years, hold a gun to our members heads,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.
“We’ve got a message for the government and the private companies in the rail industry. Our members are not cannon fodder who can be hired and fired at will while the bankers and the City spivs are being bailed out to the tune of billions.
“On 5 May we will be taking our campaign against the job cuts and for a publicly-owned, Peoples Railway to the Houses of Parliament. This is a fight that RMT members are determined to win,” Bob Crow said.
- 28/04/09 RMT Circular-
Dear Colleague
Filling of Head Office Vacancy
Clerical Position in the Industrial Relations Department
A vacancy has arisen for a clerical position at Unity House and I am now inviting applications for this position.
· Salary £31,748 inclusive of shift premium plus 5% Roster Allowance. London Allowance of £3,631 is also payable. Plus benefits.
· Duties involve the preparation of reports for the General Secretary and Council of Executives, implementing decisions of the Council of Executives, preparation and reporting of Industrial Ballots, Helpline Duties and corresponding with Branches, Members and various employers within the Rail, Shipping, Bus and Road Haulage Industries.
· Hours are normally flexible 34-hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday subject to agreement with the Manager. Saturday working is also rostered to cover the Helpline.
This post is to enhance the service provided to our 80,000 members working in the rail, shipping, bus, road transport, hotel & catering sectors.
A good knowledge of the trade union and labour movement is essential. Also a requirement to word-process and use other computer-based applications; the ability to understand and use ‘Microsoft Office - Word’ is an absolute requirement for this post plus a knowledge of ‘Microsoft Office Excel’.
The RMT is an equal opportunities employer.
Closing date; Thursday 21st May 2009.
For an application pack please contact Ernie Laws, Personnel Manager, RMT, 39, Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD. Telephone 020 7529 8834, Fax 020 7529 8848, Email e.laws@rmt.org.uk
Brother Cass Lomas
It is with great regret that I inform you that Brother Cass Lomas passed away this morning, Sunday 12th April 2009, at the University Hospital of Wales following a short illness.
Cass retired from the industry a number of years ago and I am sure that many of you will remember him fondly from his time served at Cardiff Queen Street station where he worked until retirement.
Cass was one of the railway’s real characters and I honestly don’t think that I have ever come across anyone who had so much as a bad word to say about him.
Cass was also a loyal member of the RMT being a stalwart of Cardiff Rail Branch over the years. Even after his retirement Cass was still a regular branch attendant even attending last month’s meeting.
Funeral details will follow shortly but in the meantime our thoughts are with both his family and friends at this sad time.
Yours Fraternally
Steven Skelly
RMT Company Council Representative
- 13/03/09 ATW Drivers Intergration of Cardiff:
To: RMT Drivers, Arriva Trains Wales
SUPPORT RMT IN THE BALLOT – VOTE YES
DEFEND YOUR RIGHT FOT THE WORKFORCE TO BE CONSULTED ON CHANGES – VALLEYS AND MAINLINE
DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO SEE THE FULL PROPOSAL AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT YOU
REJECT INTEGRATION BEING IMPOSED WITHOUT AGREEMENT FROM ALL PARTIES- BOTH TRADE UNIONS / BOTH LDC’s/ BOTH GROUPS OF DRIVERS
VOTE YES TO SUPPORT YOUR UNION IN THE BALLOT
I am writing to request that you give RMT your full support in the current ballot over the proposed integration of the two Drivers depots in Cardiff. The RMT Executive, Full time officer and your RMT reps are clear that you should not accept any imposition of integration until ATW have presented a proposal which can be agreed with all parties. Information has come out that everything is agreed apart from the representation issues. This is not the case. There are very important issues that remain unclear and need to be resolved.
Representation is a key issue but it is not just about RMT or ASLEF it is about ensuring that drivers from Valleys and Mainline have confidence that their voice is being properly heard, now and in the future. The truth is there is no groundswell of opinion from Valleys or Mainline Drivers that they want their current LDC dissolved or that they want integration. In fact there is a strong view that drivers actually prefer to have reps that come from their own links. The old saying is ‘if it isn’t broke then why fix it’.
There are other issues which both sets of drivers are concerned about and these are getting less attention because of this one issue which has been allowed to dominate.
There must be agreement from all parties before any change is implemented. We cannot accept ATW imposing this change without full agreement from both Trade unions, both LDC’s and both workforces’. Support the RMT principled position in the ballot.
Thank you for taking the time to read this notice.
Brendan Kelly, RMT Regional Organiser
- 25/02/09 RMT Circular ATW Drivers Intergration of Cardiff Depot:
Dear Colleagues
ATW DRIVERS – INTEGRATION OF CARDIFF DEPOT
Arriva Trains Wales have stated that they intend to integrate two Driver Depots at Cardiff. The Company, with agreement from a majority of Driver Company Council reps (ASLEF), will implement integration without agreement from the two LDC's and without agreement from the RMT. This has caused a lot of concern regarding this issue from our Driver members in the two ATW Cardiff depots.
There is growing opposition from our Driver members in Cardiff who see no real benefits in integration for the vast majority of staff. There are certainly productivity benefits for ATW which are being given up for nothing and this has raised concern of the Drivers as to the real motivation for the change. RMT is committed to safeguarding the democratic rights of their members as well as defending PT&R and jobs against these types of productivity giveaways.
I have therefore written to ATW asking them to withdraw the proposed Depot Integration at Cardiff and give us an assurance that they will not to proceed with integration without the agreement of this union, which will be ratified by a vote of drivers at the affected depots. If we do not receive a response from the company then a dispute situation will exist between our organisations and we will be forced to ballot all our train driver members at Cardiff, Rhymney and Treherbert depots for strike action due to this breach of collective bargaining procedures.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
- RMT Circular- Arriva Trains Wales Station Staff Company Council (North) Vacancy: Dear Colleague
ELECTION OF COMPANY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
ARRIVA TRAINS WALES, STATION STAFF, NORTH WALES
We still have a vacancy for the following position and a nomination form and return prepaid envelope are enclosed. Nominations close on Friday 20th March 2009.
One Seat Station Staff North Wales
Should there be more than one nominee for the position a ballot will be conducted on a Branch Ballot basis of the members in the appropriate grade/constituency.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary - Bridgend, Llantrisant & District Branch RMT-Next meeting Monday 9th March 2009 commencing 19.30hrs at the Pontyclun Athletic Club, Castan Road Pontyclun
- Chester Branch RMT-Next meeting Thursday 5th March 2009 19.00hrs at the Town Crier Public House Chester
- RMT H & S Representatives Induction Course Bristol 17/03/09-for more details please click here.
- 12/02/09-A Report on the Guards/Conductors Company Council meeting held on 10/02/09 can be found in the Guards section of the site.
- 03/02/09-ATW Driver's Company Council Election (Ex Valley Lines) Result- Brother David Kitt (RMT) 73 votes Ian Thompson (ASLEF) 48 votes. Congratulaions to Brother Kitt.
- 22/01/09-ATW Driver's Company Council Election (Ex Valley Lines) & LDC Election (Cardiff Valleys). Brother Dave Kitt (Upper Rhymney Valley Branch) & Brother Gary Hughes have successfully recieved the RMT nominations with Brother Kitt standing for the Company Council seat and Brother Hughes standing for the LDC seat. A postal ballot is currently being conducted to be returned no later than 2nd February 2009. Please use your vote and support these excellent RMT candidates Brother Kitt's election address:
Fellow drivers,
I am seeking your support and votes in the Company Council Representative election. I have since starting in the railway industry always be an active participant in the Unions.
I started as a branch chair then became a branch secretary and for the past six years have been a local representative for the Rhymney drivers. I have also over the past few years undertaken the tasks of the Union Learning representative for Cardiff and Cardiff Valleys.
A colleague once told me of an old Chinese curse he had heard of “May you live in interesting times”, Well we do live in interesting times right now. We have many issues and challenges to face. Not the least being the outstanding 2008 pay award.I know however that we as a unified body of drivers can overcome most problems put before us as long as we stand together.
The past year has been a massive challenge to us all, the challenges are none the less real this year and will keep us all “on our toes” but I am sure we can face them and win.
I would be honoured to represent you as your company council representative should you feel I am worthy of your support.
Yours Faithfully
David Kitt
- 20/11/08- RMT Pay Referendum Result All Grades
Total Votes Cast: 634
Votes Cast ‘Yes’:538
Votes Cast ‘No’: 96
The total votes cast represented a 68% return rate.
The RMT National Executive has now instructed the General Secretary to inform the company of the RMT’s acceptance of the offer.
RATES OF PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2008– ARRIVA TRAINS WALES
I write to advise members that a further and improved offer has been received from the company. This new pay offer has been considered by your Executive who have decided to hold a referendum on the offer of all RMT members employed by ATW other than Train Driver members with a strong recommendation to accept. Please find below details of the new offer tabled by the company:-
Year 1 - effective from 1 April 2008
Basic rate increase: 4.75%, or
£750 (whichever is the greater)
with an additional 0.5% on basic rate in part compensation for a move of the 1 April 2010 pay review date to 1 July 2010.
Please note: this would take the pay increase from 4.75% to 5.25%, or for those for whom £750 is the greater amount 0.5% on top of the percentage increase represented by the £750.
* Removal of the 75% training rate for new recruits to Station Staff grades
* Increase to the Maternity Pay Provision as follows:
- 12 weeks on full pay
- 12 weeks on half pay
- 15 weeks Statutory Maternity pay
Year 2 - effective from 1 April 2009
Basic rate increase: 3%, or
RPI plus 0.75%, or
£800 (whichever is the greater)
with an additional 0.5% on basic rate in part compensation for a move of the 1 April 2010 pay review date to 1 July 2010.
Please note: the RPI figure used for year two will be the most recent figure published before the review date.
Your Council of Executives (General Grades Committee) recommend that you vote ‘YES’ to accept this offer for the following reasons:-
· The pay offer is an above inflation pay increase and it includes an additional 0.5% increase in rates of pay for ALL non-Driver grades that was implemented for Drivers from July 2007.
· The pay offer will greatly improve rates of pay for lower-paid grades through two years of flat rate pay increase and abolition of the 75% training rate for new recruits to Station Staff.
· The moving of the anniversary date from 1 April to 1 July 2010 will enable an equalisation of anniversary dates, with all grades (including Drivers) as a move towards single table pay bargaining
Therefore, I am asking you to please complete the enclosed voting paper and return it to Union Headquarters in the Freepost envelope provided by no later than Thursday 20th November 2008.
VOTE ‘YES’ TO ACCEPT THE OFFER
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
- 16/10/08-Arriva Trains Wales Pay Negotiations 2008
Both RMT and TSSA will shortly be conducting ballots for industrial action as a result in the breakdown in negotiations
We would like to remind all members of the following:
FACT: Arriva PLC have recently announced profits of £14.8m for their UK Trains Division this is up from £1.1m
FACT: Arriva PLC have recently increased their share dividend by 10%
FACT: Arriva Trains Wales revenue has increased by 12.3%
FACT: Arriva PLC operating profits have been announced at £76.3m and increase of some 44%!
FACT: Low paid Arriva Trains Wales workers are forced to rely on state benefits to supplement their incomes.
All RMT and TSSA are asking for is fairness and parity in relation to the pay claim and feel that it is unacceptable and immoral that fellow employees are awarded higher pay rises simply because they are from a different grade. Arriva PLC are currently reaping vast financial rewards which are as a direct result of the hard work and endeavours of both RMT and TSSA members, it is an insult that they feel it necessary to divide rail workers in the manner in which the company has so arrogantly done.USE YOUR VOTE AND VOTE YES FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION
UNITY IS STRENGTH
If you have not received a ballot paper please call RMT Helpline 0800 376 3706 - 13/10/08-RMT to ballot ATW members for industrial action-to read please click here
- 13/10/08 Report on Guards/Conductors Company Council meeting held on 8/10/08 can be found in the Guards section of the site.
- 2/10/08 - RMT Circular:
TO ALL RMT BRANCHES REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES
Dear Colleagues,
RATES OF PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2008 – ARRIVA TRAINS WALES
I write to advise you all of the following report which has been noted and adopted by the GGC and is as follows:-
“That we note the report has now been received from our Lead Officer (25th September 2008) and that no improved offer has been received from the company. Accordingly the GS is instructed to conduct a ballot of all our members employed by ATW covered by this pay claim (i.e. not Drivers) for strike action and action short of a strike in pursuit of our pay claim. Ballot papers to be returned no later than Tuesday 28th October 2008. All branches and regional councils to be informed.”
In line with this decision, I would be obliged if you could ask all local reps and activists to do an audit of Arriva Trains Wales members’ records as soon as possible and inform the Industrial Relations department of any changes.
I shall keep you all advised as matters progress.
Yours Sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary - 25/09/08 - ATW RPS Saver Scheme:
I have been requested by RMT Representatives and members to outline the RMT’s position regarding this scheme. First and foremost, the decision to participate or not is an individual one and it is clear staff will only be able to participate if they gain financially out of the scheme.
There is currently no RMT Policy for or against these schemes but this may change.
This scheme allows Companies to reduce their own, and their employees (although not all employees) National Insurance Contributions. This would seem to be a “loophole” under current legislation allowing “Salary Sacrifice” schemes to be implemented for this purpose. Other employers have introduced similar schemes and we believe this will continue until the Government choose to prevent it happening.
Concerns were expressed by RMT and some of the other Trade Unions at a recent Company Council meeting that this scheme is intended to reduce National Insurance Contributions to the Government and will ultimately reduce the ability to pay for Welfare Benefits. Train Operating Companies have benefitted greatly from state (taxpayers) subsidies since privatisation.
RMT issues with RPS saver scheme:
· We have registered our opposition to the fact that the scheme expects staff to opt- out instead of opting- in. We are also now aware that opt-out forms are not enclosed with the information being sent out and staff have to ask for them.
· There could be low paid staff that will not have the option of benefiting under this scheme. We believe the company should now consider some benefit for those staff to be paid out of the financial benefits that Arriva Trains Wales will receive from the scheme. We believe that Arriva stand to gain considerably more than their employees from this scheme and we have therefore requested detailed information on the financial benefits to the company but have still not received this.
· We believe ATW should give cast iron assurances that our members will not suffer any future detriment because of this scheme, and that any such detriment would be “made good” by Arriva Trains Wales although the scheme does provide some assurances.
· There is currently concerns about the need for members contribution rises in the company pension scheme and the RMT will be seeking any ‘windfall’ that ATW receive to be used productively for the benefit of the staff, particularly in the Pension area.
· We will be insisting on a joint review at Company Council within the 12 months.
The decision to stay in or opt-out is a personal one for each individual.
Brendan Kelly, RMT Regional Organiser, South Wales and the West
Following numerous requests by ATW managment for additional time to repond to a joint RMT, TSSA and UNITE proposal to move the 2008 pay claim forward it is with regret that we inform you that the ATW response has again failed to match the aspirations of the unions.
The matter will now be placed before the RMT National Executive for consideration and you will be informed in due course of any further developments. RMT remains available for further talks with ATW any point.
We have now reached a very difficult position in our discussions over pay for the general grades within ATW. RMT members have clearly stated by a massive majority in a referendum that the Company need to reconsider their position. In consultations the big issues for our members is 'fairness across all grades', 'Ending low pay' and ' A fair share in the financial success of ATW'. The current offer which has been rejected by our members needs to be improved in these areas.
In negotiations the Management view was that "they were there to represent the shareholders". Well clearly the Trade unions are here to speak for the workforce. There are very strong views being expressed by our members about ATW and this 'alienation' has been demonstrated clearly by the support given to Managers on strike. There is a real possibility that Industrial Relations could spiral downwards but it doesn't have to be that way. If ATW explain to Shareholders that on this occasion they need to listen to the hard working staff on the front line who actually deliver the profits then we can easily find a way through the current difficulties. The RMT national leadership will now make a decision on the way forward and regretably an Industrial Action ballot seems inevitable.
Union warns of company-wide ballot on pay
RMT, BRITAIN’S biggest rail union, today expressed its complete support for members of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) in dispute with Arriva Trains Wales.
TSSA members employed as driver managers at the company are in dispute over the erosion of pay differentials and began a 24-hour strike at mid-day today (Tuesday September 16), in addition to bans on overtime and on-call work.
RMT has instructed its driver members at ATW to ensure that they do not undertake any duties normally carried out by their striking colleagues.
“RMT fully supports its brothers and sisters in TSSA who are in dispute with Arriva Trains Wales,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.
“We have made it clear to the substantial number of RMT drivers at the company that they should undertake only their normal duties and that under no circumstances should they do work normally done by driver-managers.
“We have also made urgent representations to ATW to ensure that our members’ safety is not compromised in the event of any operational incident during the dispute, and we have urged the company to negotiate a settlement that is acceptable to driver-managers.
“There is also growing anger among our own members that Arriva Trains Wales has so far failed to table an acceptable pay deal, and I have no doubt that if ATW does not take seriously the rejection of its latest offer it will be facing a company-wide ballot.
“I am sure that where they can our members will show their support for their TSSA colleagues on picket lines, and it goes without saying that RMT will provide whatever practical assistance it can to its colleagues in dispute,” Bob Crow said.
ATW Management have been presented with a proposal that has been jointly put forward by the unions which it is hoped will move the situation forward and the company are currently in the process of investigating the proposal before responding formally by Tuesday 26th August 2008.
Should the response from ATW Management be in the unions view unsatisfactory the matter will be placed before the RMT National Executive where a decision will be taken as to the next course of action.
All unions in the meantime remain open to further negotiations at any time with the company.
RMT Representatives along with their colleagues from TSSA and UNITE met with Arriva Trains Wales Management on Thursday 14th August 2008 for further discussions in relation to the 2008 All Grades pay claim.
The meeting followed the overwhelming rejection of the proposed deal by members of all of the unions following recently conducted referendum ballots. The mass rejection of the deal centres around the difference of 0.5% awarded between Driver Grades and All Grades for the 2007 pay claim. Members of RMT, TSSA and UNITE have sent a clear message to their unions that they are not prepared to tolerate such divisive and unfair practices on the part of ATW and this was strongly conveyed to management by the union representatives.
Unfortunately the strength of feeling of the members at this point seems to have fallen on deaf ears with ATW and it is with regret that we report that there has been no significant progress at this stage. A further meeting has been convened for Thursday 21st August 2008 where it is hoped that the matter can be successfully concluded.
If however these talks prove to be unsuccessful all unions have left the company in the clear knowledge that a ballot for industrial action will be conducted.
585
Number Voting ‘Yes’
31
Number Voting ‘No’
554
Spoilt papers
0
The company will now be formally notified of the result of the referendum with the matter to be referred back to the RMT General Grades Committee no later that Wednesday 13th August 2008 unless an improved offer is made by the company.
This ballot result sends a very clear message to the ATW. RMT members are saying that ATW must now deal with this issue and that this group of grades are angry that they did not get the pay rise they should have got in 2007. They are not convinced by the Company arguments and there is now only way one forward.
Once this unresolved issue gets sorted we can work with the Company to ensure this problem does not reoccur in future years. RMT strongly believe it would be better to deal with the annual pay and conditions claim by having all the trade unions at the same bargaining table. RMT, TSSA and Unite have proposed this to ATW and our sister union ASLEF for future years.
'Unity is strength' is not just a slogan it is a precondition for working people to achieve a fair deal for all."
On Monday 7th July 2008 The RMT All Grades Company Council along with representatives from TSSA and UNITE met with ATW Management to discuss the 2008 Pay Claim. At the meeting the company submitted what it considered to be its "best offer", a two year deal which consisted of the following:
Year 1 – 4.75% or £750 whichever is the greater ( ATW state that 319 staff would be affected by the £750)
Year 2 – RPI + 0.75%
Maternity Pay: This would increase to 12 weeks full pay instead of 6 weeks.
In addition to the offer the company formally declined to meet the 0.5% pay differential in respect of the final settlements for Drivers and All Grades pay claims for 2007. Both RMT and TSSA have written formally to ATW asking that this matter be dealt prior to this year’s pay talks but without any success.
Because the offer failed to address the 0.5% issue then unfortunately the offer has fallen short of the union’s aspirations even more so as there is again a difference between the offers put forward during both the ALL Grades negotiations and the Drivers Negotiations (Drivers offered 5% for 2008). The RMT is an All Grades Union and as such offers which only seek to divide the workforce are unacceptable and against both the aims and objectives of the union.
As a result of the meeting a joint statement will now be issued by RMT, TSSA and UNITE followed by a referendum ballot of all members within the three unions with a recommendation to reject the companies offer. This coordinated action is unprecedented within Arriva Trains Wales and is a strong sign of the union’s determination to secure the best possible deal for its members.
It is the intention of the RMT to conduct its referendum ballot of its members as soon as possible and we strongly urge all members to vote to reject the offer. The intention of the referendum is to send a clear message to ATW that our members will not accept unfair treatment. If ATW fail to respond to support for the joint Union position in the referendum then all three unions will move to organise Industrial Action ballots.
This action is proposed because of the unprecedented amount of pressure on RMT, TSSA and UNITE by members who have demanded we deal with this unfairness.
The RMT Regional Organiser has written to ASLEF on behalf of all the Trade Unions suggesting that we resume single table pay talks in the future to prevent divisive pay deals.
RMT Reps strongly Recommend
VOTE NO TO THE PAY OFFER
SUPPORT YOUR UNION
- 7th July 2008: Report of meeting with ATW Revenue Protection Inspector can be found in Guards Section of site
- 7th July 2008: Report on RMT Train Crew Conference 2008 - To read please click here
- 9th June 2008 Circular from RMT General Secretary Bob Crow
Dear Colleague,
DISMISSAL – C. GRANT – ARRIVA TRAINS WALES
Following correspondence from two South Wales Rail Branches regarding their extreme concern over the dismissal of Brother Colin Grant the union advised the company of the dispute situation that existed.
The dismissal was the result of a disciplinary hearing where he had been charged with a safety of the line incident, but his employment record had until that point been incident free. This dismissal was a further example of the draconian disciplinary methods increasingly being employed by the management of Arriva Trains Wales and members were further concerned that the company appear to have adopted a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy.
Thankfully, the company have now seen sense and reinstated Brother Grant to his full position at an appeal hearing. The union have been successful in achieving our goal and the dispute has therefore been resolved.
The strength of feeling shown to management by Brother Grant’s colleagues was overwhelming and definitely an important factor in gaining this successful result. Management would have been in no doubt that should the result of the appeal been less favourable there would have been a positive result for action by RMT members.
I would like to congratulate all RMT members and officers in South Wales for the tremendous support they have shown to their colleague.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary