Travel Facilities-Wessex Region-Network Rail

Circular No: IR/157/13

Our Ref: BR4/12/1

7th March 2013

To: Branches, Regional Councils & Regional Offices

Dear Colleague

TRAVEL FACILITIES - WESSEX REGION - NETWORK RAIL

I recently received information from reps that Network Rail were planning on making an announcement regarding changes to travel facilities at a forthcoming Maintenance Area Council Meeting in Wessex due to take place this week. I made urgent enquiries of Network Rail intentions and today I received a response. The company stated that the Wessex Alliance were to offer Network Rail staff within the Wessex Alliance the ability to obtain a travel pass for travel on South West Trains and Island Lines. The company have made clear that this would be classed as a discretionary benefit that could be withdrawn at any time, that is would only be offered within Wessex, also that it would not form part of any Terms and Conditions or be subject to collective negotiations. Finally, it would not extend beyond the lifetime of the South West trains franchise.

Network Rail is proposing to present the offer and details as to how it will be rolled out at the imminent Maintenance Area Council meeting.

I will write again once I have further information but in the meantime I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of your members.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary