London Midland statement regarding action by RMT Union

We are very disappointed that some Senior Conductor members of the RMT have decided to vote in favour of strike action on March 13 and 16.

It is particularly disappointing that passengers face disruption because of agreements which date back over ten years and which the RMT is choosing to make an issue of now.

• Full timetabled service will operate to destinations north of Northampton

 

• A half hourly service between Northampton and Euston (all 12 carriage trains)

 

• An hourly service between Tring and Euston (12 carriage train)

 

• Additional special peak hours services between Northampton-Euston services (12 carriage trains)

In calling this action, the RMT appears to be determined to cause disruption and uncertainty to passengers over issues that date back 10 years.

The reason for the dispute is that the RMT Union believes London Midland has breached agreements on Sunday working and calculation of rest day payment.

Both of these issues pre-date the start of London Midland’s franchise.

The Sunday issue dates back to contracts that were initially introduced in August 1999 which commits conductors to work a rostered Sunday, if required to do so. 

This has been in force for all new employees who joined Silverlink since 2001.

The rest day issue is about the calculation of time and one tenth for hours worked on a rest day.

The company has offered to change the calculation and back date this to the start of the franchise ( 11 November 2007). The RMT wants to include service with the previous employer. 

London Midland is committed to delivering services seven days a week, including services for those wishing to travel on Sundays.

The RMT has alleged that members of staff have been ‘bullied’ over roster patterns and overtime working.

London Midland completely rejects these allegations.

• Overtime is voluntary and London Midland conductors can choose to decline working extra hours, so there is no truth in claims of imposed hours.

• Staff rosters are worked out with the co-operation of Trade Union representatives.

• All hours worked are monitored and controlled centrally by computer to prevent staff working excessive hours.

• There are clear safety rules and procedures in place to ensure members of London Midland train crew do not work excessive hours and these include designated rest breaks within their working day, as well as minimum hours break between shifts. 

London Midland policies and procedures are in line with rail industry standards and all health & safety requirements.  We take safety very seriously and would never compromise the safe delivery of our services to passengers.

London Midland remains open to discussions and has met frequently with RMT officials in order to try and reach an agreement.

 

During the strike days, London Midland is determined to provide as many timetabled services as possible.  The minimum service pattern we will be providing includes:

In calling this action, the RMT appears to be determined to cause disruption and uncertainty to passengers over issues that date back 10 years. 

London Midland has and remains open to discussions to resolve these issues

 

 

 

 

 

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