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GWR mutual internal Driver Swap

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Butcher

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I’m probably in the same boat as a few other drivers at GWR east region who after 2 years driving would like to move to the West. With only one PT&R move it makes sense to swap if an opportunity arrives.. Personally I would love to move to Par, but being a small depot I’m sure in 2 years time there will once again be a long list.. I would like the opportunity to use a swap first with either Penzance, Par or Plymouth driver that may want to move to the East.. Does anyone know of such a communication process that you can liaise with another driver who has the want to swap as a mutual exchange?
 
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dctraindriver

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Go through your LDC as that’s one way of finding out if people want to swap with the relevant depot.
 

tlionhart

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As the previous post mentions, go through your LDC. (They’ll ask at branch meetings in those regions for you)

It’s going to be tough as nails though as people don’t generally swap from depots like Par to an East region.

It’s a shame, as you just missed the voluntary list for Plymouth. (PTR not used)

Personally, if there’s somewhere you really want to transfer to, just do it.
 

tiptoptaff

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PT&R being dropped to 1 for all of us was to stop people moving from the East and hopping around the Central and West regions, especially in your position. Had a lot of people in the East doing 2years then moving out to Central region, then finally down West when the slot came up. If you really want Par, put in for it. The list isn't that long, AFAIK. Who knows in two years.
 

irish_rail

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I'd say you've got no chance of a mutual between LTV and the west, I can think of 2 drivers in about 10 years who have voluntarily swapped west for East, and both were to go HSS at Paddington, not an LTV depot.

As others have said on here, think carefully where you will be happiest and can see yourself staying long term and put your name down on the PTR list as that really is your only hope.

Unfortunately driving along the coast at Dawlish tends to be a little more desirable among drivers than all stations stoppers to Greenfors im afraid.

Good luck.
 

387star

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I'd say you've got no chance of a mutual between LTV and the west, I can think of 2 drivers in about 10 years who have voluntarily swapped west for East, and both were to go HSS at Paddington, not an LTV depot.

As others have said on here, think carefully where you will be happiest and can see yourself staying long term and put your name down on the PTR list as that really is your only hope.

Unfortunately driving along the coast at Dawlish tends to be a little more desirable among drivers than all stations stoppers to Greenfors im afraid.

Good luck.
However GWR have been advertising continuously for nearly three years for qualified drivers at west depots so I'm surprised you can't just move if they are that desperate
 

tiptoptaff

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However GWR have been advertising continuously for nearly three years for qualified drivers at west depots so I'm surprised you can't just move if they are that desperate
The way it works is if there's a vacancy and no one waiting you'll go immediately. But the agreement we signed said minimum of two years productive at our depot before we can apply to move. Vacancy or not, you have to wait.

Same for everyone then. Can't just start ignoring contracts and agreements when it suits.
 

Butcher

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Seriously thanks for this! Having some really nice and quick responses is why I love working on the railway!

I like the idea of Par as it’s a small depot and can only guess it’s a close community there. Would love to hear from someone who does work there.!?

As someone who has worked most their life doing shifts I prefer not to do nights... I’m lucky where I am that I have a permanent swap for earlies. Another reason for Par. I know Penzance and Plymouth have night shed work and guess Plymouth has more..?

I have met someone who swapped Penzance for Pad to be near their family but as one of you said it’s probably very rare...

I understand you have to pick only one. Ideally I would want to move ASAP after 2 years but would like to complete before 5 as wouldn’t want to change schools for my kid when he reaches secondary school age.
Is there a way of finding out how long each of the lists are? Or is it a case of how long is a piece of rope?‍♂️
 

irish_rail

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Seriously thanks for this! Having some really nice and quick responses is why I love working on the railway!

I like the idea of Par as it’s a small depot and can only guess it’s a close community there. Would love to hear from someone who does work there.!?

As someone who has worked most their life doing shifts I prefer not to do nights... I’m lucky where I am that I have a permanent swap for earlies. Another reason for Par. I know Penzance and Plymouth have night shed work and guess Plymouth has more..?

I have met someone who swapped Penzance for Pad to be near their family but as one of you said it’s probably very rare...

I understand you have to pick only one. Ideally I would want to move ASAP after 2 years but would like to complete before 5 as wouldn’t want to change schools for my kid when he reaches secondary school age.
Is there a way of finding out how long each of the lists are? Or is it a case of how long is a piece of rope?‍♂️
The waiting lists are none existant really as you wouldn't be moving to HSS you'd be moving to GWR. Turnover at Par is slightly less than the other two at the moment and it is a smaller depot . They have also stopped recruiting externally for that one, however if that's where you'd be happier that's the one I'd go for. Id be surprised if you waited longer than 5 years though!!! A couple of years tops I'd say.
Re nights, Par may have one lot of nights but they may have gone now , I honestly can't remember. Plenty of nights at Plymouth although mainly in the dedicated night link and the soon to be created manouvers link (as a qualified that wouldnt be you). However there are some nights in all links at plymouth and I believe also at PZ.

If you do go for Par , bare in mind all you do is Cornwall and lots of branch work although they do quite a bit on 2 x4s these days as well.
 
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