Passing of Geoff Revell

Dear colleagues

 

It is with deep regret that I advise of the passing of former National Executive Committee member Bro. Geoff Revell today.

 

As a highly active Trade Unionist,  he will be well remembered by his former colleagues and indeed, by all who knew him.

 

The Union will await the details of Geoff’s funeral and will advise the membership in accordance with the wishes of his family. The Union’s thoughts are with Geoff’s family during this difficult time.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

Branch Meeting Dates 2016

Reduction in the Working Week Guards/Commercial Guard – South West Trains

 

 

 

 

 

 

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Circular No IR.304/15

 

10th December 2015

 

Our Ref: BR2/0004

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Reduction in the Working Week Guards/Commercial Guard – South West Trains

 

Further to my circular IR/240/15 dated 5th October 2015, I am writing to up-date you on the latest position.

 

As a result to the massive rejection by our members of SWT’s proposal to reduce the Guards hours, a meeting was held with our representatives, Senior Assistant General Secretary, Lead Officer and members of the General Grades Committee. At this meeting our representatives made it clear that our Guard members were unhappy with elements of the company’s proposals were seeking significant improvements.

 

However, since this meeting took place the DfT has issued its consultation document for the South Western Rail franchise. Within this consultation paper is a reference to the McNulty report and its emphasis on saving money – cost cutting - this will obviously have to be a consideration for the successful bidder. This will lead to a clear attack on our members throughout SWT including the role and responsibility of the Guard.

 

As a result the General Grades Committee has instructed me to:-

 

• Seek meaningful talks with South West Trains to significantly improve the proposal with a clear timetable. If the Company fails to offer significant improvements, a report is to be placed before the General Grades Committee so that we can consider whether to ballot for industrial action.

 

• Organise special meetings throughout the Wessex Region to brief out the Unions position on McNulty and to obtain members aspirations for the reduction in hours.

 

• Set up a campaign committee with representation from the Guards depots that will carry out mapping, recruitment and retention exercise, along with producing suitable material to distribute. 

 

• Assist with propaganda and distributing material via emails, text and mailing out.

 

• Encourage members to attend the open consultation for the South Western Franchise in their relevant area.

 

I will be placing any further developments back before the General Grades Committee and will be advising members involved of the position.

 

I would be obliged if you would bring the contents of this circular to the attention of members.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

REDUCTION IN THE WORKING WEEK GUARDS/COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circular No IR/240/15

 

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Our Ref: BR2/0004

5th October 2015

 

Dear Colleagues

REDUCTION IN THE WORKING WEEK GUARDS/COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

Further to my Circular IR/215/15 dated 17th September 2015, branches will recall that following the result of the referendum of our Guards and Commercial Guards members, I wrote to company advising them the company’s proposals were unacceptable. I was then instructed to hold a meeting at Unity House with our Guards Company Council and Guards LDC Representatives to discuss the way forward; however the Company refused to release our Guards LDC Reps and then subsequently offered to release 1 Guards LDC rep per depot providing this was after 31st October 2015.

 

This matter has now been considered by the General Grades Committee who believes the delay with release of our Representatives is unreasonable and that this Union is entitled to consult with its reps and members. Additionally it also feels that any further delay could hinder our industrial relations going forward. Therefore I have written to the company demanding that it meets with our Lead officer and Guards Company Council by 31st Oct 2015 and that we require an agreement over the release of our LDC reps at Depots to consult with members. Following this this meeting I have requested release for all GuardsLDC representatives to meet with the Guards Company Council and Lead officer.

 

Our Representatives have also highlighted the fact that our SWT Guards members have the highest weekly hours yet the lowest paid in relation to other companies and feel that members should be made aware through publications with comparators of TOCs Guards Hours and Pay. I am currently in the process of producing this material for our Guards LDC reps to distribute.  

 

Furthermore I have advised the company that failure to comply with our demands may lead to a dispute situation existing between us, if no positive response is forthcoming by the 15th October2015. 

 

I will of course keep branches updated on further developments. 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash 

General Secretary

Reduction in the Working Week, Guards/Commercial Guards – South West Trains

 

 

 

 

 

 

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Circular No IR.215/15

 

 

 

Our Ref: BR2/0004

17th September 2015

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Reduction in the Working Week, Guards/Commercial Guards – South West Trains

 

Further to my circular No IR.191/15 dated 10th August 2015 the result of the referendum was as follows:-

 

Total Votes Cast​558

Number Voting to Accept​ 89

Number Voting to Reject​468

Spoilt​ 1

 

I shall be writing to the company advising them of our membersrejection and that our Guards and Commercial Guards members do not feel the proposal were at all acceptable or met their aspirations.

 

The General Grades Committee has asked me to arrange a meeting of all our Guards Company Council representatives, LDC representatives and are also seeking a report from the Lead Officer before considering the matter further. It is hoped that this meeting will take place on 30th September after which I will write to you again.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary 

 

 

 

Waterloo Branch nominate Glenroy Watson for National President

Special Branch Meeting

The Branch has arranged a A special  meeting that will take place on the 10th September 2015, this has been arranged in light of the forth coming nominations for the National Presidents position.

The Branch has received letters from candidates who are seeing the branches nomination, these will be read out at the Branch, where a decision will be made on their preferred candidate. To ensure fairness to all candidates standing for this position, none have been invited to address this branch meeting.

Also at the Branch there will be updates on  the following: 

1. Station Staff Restructuring 

2. Guards Reduction in hours Ballot

Hope to see you there