Free Travel for All Staff

 

 

 

 

 

Circular No IR/169/14

 

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Our Ref: BR1/0238

 

19th June 2014

 

Dear Colleague

 

FREE TRAVEL FOR ALL STAFF

 

Further to my Circular No IR/709/13 dated the 5th December 2013 in which I advised you that the General Grades Committeehad instructed me to write to all the Train Operating Companies requesting talks to discuss the issue of concessionary travel facilities. I can now advise you that I have received a response from the following TOCs:

 

•

Arriva Trains Wales believe that their current travel facilities are more beneficial for members than the safe guarded rail facilities but could not offer both due to potential crowding issues.

•

East Coast believe that their current travel facilities are more beneficial for members than the safe guarded rail facilities but could not offer both as it would sacrifice passenger revenue.

•

First Hull Trains state that they are not in a position to provide our travel facility demands as they are an open access operator and are reliant heavily on passenger ticket revenue.

•

Abellio Greater Anglia believes that this could only be achieved should the whole industry agree to such a scheme.

•

South West Trains do not state their views but request a meeting with the Lead Officer to discuss this matter through the agreed collective procedure.

•

Southern state that they are unable to enter into any discussions concerning travel facilities until such time as a decision on the new Thameslink, Southern Great Northern franchise has been made.

•

ATOC state that the issue of concessionary travel facilities for all employees on the railway is a matter for employers.

 

Additionally, I am in the process of arranging a meeting with our sister unions in support of our campaign for full privilege travel concessions for all staff and I am seeking legal advice on thefeasibility of a national ballot across all of our membership on the principle of free travel for all. I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

 

Best wishes.

Mick Cash

Acting General Secretary