WHAT WAS IN THE 'OFFER'?

In the derisory TOC offer rejected by the RMT this month, the Rail Delivery Group propositions were an outright insult to our members working for train operating companies, including:

Mass job cuts

Closure of ticket offices, removal of catering on many train services at the behest of unscrupulous employers, re-wording but not removal of the threat of driver-only operation, meaning TOCs, should they desire, would have the means to introduce this method of operation.

A clearly defined quota of 800 positions that would be forcibly removed from the industry and with the alleged ' no compulsory redundancy' ending on 31st December 2024. No security if your job was made redundant and you were re-deployed – your salary and pension would not be protected.

Massive real terms pay cuts

Averaging out at 2 25% “increase” per year for the many of us who haven’t had a pay award for 4 years.

This would do absolutely nothing to address the cost-of-living crisis our members currently are enduring and completely undermines union policy.

Attacks on long fought terms and conditions (including but not limited to):

Introduction of mandatory Sunday Working at TOCs where it is not part of working week

Station members would be asked to work at other locations within their area – which has huge implications on those who cannot travel from their home depot

Creation of a two-tier workforce by introducing different sick pay arrangements for new starters. Removal of long-standing railway conditions of service – including attacks on stood off arrangements. Meaning if you are unlucky enough to be declared unfit for work you would not get the benefits that those before us fought long and hard to achieve and you would be thrown on the scrapheap.

It is vitally important that members understand what the RDG wanted us to accept as it is extremely likely they will try to present the same conditions again, perhaps under different wording As long as we stand together, we can fight for more and we can fight for better.