Driver Only Operation (DOO) and Keep the Guard on the Train Campaign

 

 

 

 

 

 

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Circular No IR/99/16

 

 

 

 

Our Ref: BR2/0146

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Driver Only Operation (DOO) and Keep the Guard on the Train Campaign

 

In my circular IR/196/15 dated 18th August 2016, I set out the union’s position following the adoption of a resolution by the 2015 AGM of a resolution submitted by the Traincrew & Shunting Grades Conference.  For ease of reference the resolution was as follow:-

 

“This Conference reiterates its complete opposition to Driver Only Operation in all forms up to and including Driver Door Operation and Driver Control Operation.

 

This Conference recognises the ongoing threat to the guard grade across the combining routes and applauds the efforts made by those participating in the campaign to save railway jobs on the Northern and TPE campaign.

 

Conference agrees that this 2015  Conference is to be the stepping stone  of resistance towards all forms of D.O.O including both  D.C.O and DDO and agrees the only  way to halt  this  threat of eradicating the grade  is to enter  into  a full blown  dispute if TOCs do not agree to remove D.O.O/D.C.O/D.D.O off their agenda. 

 

Further, Conference agrees to work towards a situation where we see guards returned to services that are D.O.O.”

 

This matter has again been considered by the National Executive Committee following a meeting of the Traincrew and Shunting Grades National Industrial Organising Conference Liaison Committee.

 

At this meeting proposals for re-launching the ‘Keep the Guard on the Train’ campaign were discussed. It was agreed that a strategy discussion would take place at this year’s conference (on 15th April).

 

The National Executive Committee also instructed me to prepare materials for the national campaign, including a leaflet for all our guards members emphasising the safety role of the Guard.

Arrangements are in hand to produce the campaign material and branches and members will be kept advised of developments.

 

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all members as this is to be a national campaign.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary