Reduce break times and increase working day
What are these break times? Fine for a multi-staffed location with a defined meal relief on duty. However, single staffed locations rely on natural gaps in traffic. Not too bad on a line that has 2-6 trains an hour, but not so easy to achieve in a location, on a 12-hour shift pattern, dealing with considerably more trains per hour.
How do I know this? I work those types of locations.
Someone posted earlier, asking why it takes so long to sort out these talks. The cynic in me would suggest that they only meet to discuss which type of biscuit to have at the following meeting. Though, that is far away from the reality.
One thing that came back from Network Rail during these talks were that they waited until all three unions involved had made their submissions before they would meet to respond. That makes sense, but it does prolong talks. Even more so if a meeting takes place to confirm that submissions have been made and all parties will then go and consider the details. So, both management and unions share responsibility for procrastinating.
I've said before, that I don't always agree with everything that comes from TU headquarters, but as a staff representative, then i have to show some degree of conformity. In the past I have voted against the wishes of the union, if I think that is the best thing.