WREXHAM - LONDON RAIL SERVICE

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2008 :: RMTnews 5 R MT branch secretary David Bithell has been re-elected as an independent councillor on Wrexham council with a huge majority in the May elections. David, who was instrumental in winning the campaign the new direct train link to London, gained 895 votes with Labour getting 115 and the Tories winning just 72 giving a majority of 780. He was elected to the council in 2004 with a majority of 48. In the last four years on Wrexham council David has also served on the executive board and as lead member for children and young people. He successfully campaigned for 50 new jobs for Wrexham and the new direct train link to London with operates five trains a day to London run by Wrexham and Shropshire Railways. He is also a member of the Wrexham trades council and a member of the Mersey Dee Alliance campaign for the electrification of the Wrexham- Bidston Line. R MT has welcomed the opening of direct rail services between Wrexham and London, which began this month. RMT also paid tribute to the “tireless efforts” of Wrexham RMT branch secretary Dave Bithell, whose campaigning over many years has helped bring about Wrexham’s rail renaissance. The move follows the investment of more than £900,000 by the Welsh Assembly government in a new rail depot in the town, for which Wrexham RMT has campaigned for many years, and which general secretary Bob Crow urged Welsh AMs to back. “The start of direct rail services is great news for Wrexham, for Wales and for the rail industry,” Bob Crow said. “As well as the welcome creation of 50 new jobs it will also ease congestion at busy interchanges in Birmingham and London, and it is good for the environment because it will encourage people onto trains and out of cars. “Our members at Wrexham RMT, and particularly branch secretary Dave Bithell, have campaigned for this for years, and I know they will be delighted,” Bob said. N egotiations have concluded on behalf of members at P&O Ferries Portsmouth and after consultation with reps and members, the following offer has been accepted:- • An increase of 4.2 per cent to basic rates or, if more, an increase of £650.00. The £650.00 is in response to points raised by the Regional Organiser for those on a ‘2002’ contract. The lowest paid will receive an increase of five per cent. • Retention for a rating who is due to go ‘off watch’ is retained on the ship for over two hours then the following compensation rates will apply. Each hours pay will be calculated at a one for one basis:- 0-2 hours No compensation 2-3 hours 3 hours pay 3-4 hours 4 hours pay 4-5 hours 5 hours pay 5-6 hours 6 hours pay 6-7 hours 7 hours pay 7-8 hours 8 hours pay • When a rating is retained beyond the rostered watch plan by more than eight hours, the existing arrangements will apply. RMT WELCOMES DIRECT WREXHAM-LONDON RAIL SERVICE RMT ACTIVIST RE- ELECTED WREXHAM COUNCILLOR PAY DEAL AT P&O FERRIES PORTSMOUTH