12.01.17
RMT extends DOO dispute to Northern and Merseyrail
The RMT has widened its dispute with Northern Rail as it has given the franchise’s operator Arriva Rail North two weeks to clarify whether trains will retain their guards or risk dispute.
The union is already balloting its members for strikes on Northern Rail due to a dispute over an “unacceptable” pay offer with voting due to close on 25 January, the day before the RMT’s new deadline for assurances about the guards.
RMT has also extended a similar threat of strike action to Merseyrail, which plans to introduce a new fleet of driver-only-operated (DOO) trains in Merseyside from 2020.
“We have been seeking assurances from Arriva Rail North that they will retain a guard on their trains and that the guard will retain their safety critical role. Regrettably this assurance has to date not been received,” said the RMT’s general secretary Mick Cash.
“The RMT find this lack of clarity unacceptable and we have advised the company that should we not receive these assurances by Thursday 26 January 2017 then our two organisations will be in dispute.”
RMT’s position on DOO has been made clear by its ongoing dispute with Southern rail with the union refusing to agree on any extensions of DOO on the grounds of passenger safety.
Northern said that as its new franchise only started nine months ago, now was “not the time” for a potential dispute as it looks to make improvements across its network.
“Our plans for customers include new and refurbished trains, station improvements, more seats and extra services during peak periods. It is really important to us that our colleagues and their representatives are involved in discussing how to bring these improvements to life,” a Northern statement read.
Northern added that it is prepared to “sit down and work positively with the trade union” to avoid the dispute.
Merseyrail declared itself “surprised and disappointed” to hear RMT’s comments, saying that there had been no “substantive” discussions between the two organisations on the question of DOO.
“The Liverpool city-region needs and deserves new trains, which will be modern, safe, faster and comfortable, with more capacity to support the economic growth of a modern city-region,” Merseyrail said.
“The new trains will be safer than the ones they replace - and there will still be staff on board focusing on customer duties.”
When announcing its new Stadler-built fleet last December, Merseyrail admitted that a reduction in paid posts over the next four years would be necessary to fund the ‘must-do’ project.
However, Merseyrail has guaranteed continued employment for all of its current guards, although their jobs will be converted into on-board customer service roles. The company hopes that the necessary reduction of staff will be reached by redeployment, voluntary redundancies and retirement.
(Image c. Alvey and Towers)
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.