Circular No: IR/319/16
TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS
Our Ref: BR2/0146
27th October 2016
Dear Colleague,
NEW ROLLING STOCK CONTRACT & DRIVER ONLY OPERATION (DOO) – ARRIVA RAIL NORTHERN
I have recently received correspondence from the Lead Officer on the company’s intentions to introduce DOO. Following a meeting held with the company’s managing director and his associates, the company informed this union of their intention to introduce Driver Control Operation (DCO). The company further informed us that within the franchise they plan to reduce the current number of guards, with at least 50% of the current train services on the franchise being operated by the driver. Under DCO the driver will have full operational control and sole responsibility for all operational requirements, which included, full door control. The introduction of this change is due to take place once the new rolling stock has been procured.
The meeting exposed a number of alarming issues, such as the franchise agreement required a minimum of 50% DCO across the network. The responses received were also a cause for concern and when pressed on the issue of DCO it was revealed that the Department for Transport are pulling the strings. The managing director advised us that the Secretary of State is dictating and determining such directives and negotiations. Therefore, Arriva are forcefully obliged to adhere to such instructions or face penalties for contravention of the franchise. The company have been informed that although there are political third parties involved, we negotiate with the company. Our Lead officer put forward the proposals that was successful on Abellio ScotRail, however, the company outright stated that the Secretary of State would refuse these proposals and therefore the answer would be that the proposals are unacceptable. This is an alarming and troubling situation and is a clear example of how the government are manipulating franchises to attack hard working individuals and unions. This meeting has clearly highlighted the government’s approach to safety and sheds light on other disputes such as the one on Southern (GTR). The government are putting greed before passengers and slashing safety critical roles to the detriment of staff and passengers.
However, the managing director did indicate that there would be a potential to meet him and his associates to discuss this important issue and to answer any questions the union has. Therefore, I have carried out the National Executive Committees instruction to hold a meeting at Unity House, whereby, Arriva Rail North MD and his associates are invited to attend. The NEC, Lead Officer, Conductors Employee Council Chair and Secretary will also be in attendance. I have also invited ASLE&F’s President, General Secretary and National Executive Committee to attend the meeting.
Additionally, I will be preparing a ballot matrix, in preparation for any industrial action that may be necessary and would greatly appreciate if you could please ensure the details of any Arriva Northern members in your branch are accurate and up-to-date. This can be done by getting members to access their records on the RMT website by accessing the members area and amending them accordingly, alternatively, they can call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 where someone will be able to amend their details over the phone.
I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of your Arriva Rail Northern members and I will endeavour to keep you fully advised on any further developments on these matters.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary
As suspected it is the unholy alliance of the corporate asset stripping Britain hating Tories (who'd rather support the German state railways than their own countrymen) and the DFT behind this...