SCOTTISH NETWORK RAIL STRIKE SOLID

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: october 2008 :: RMTnews 4 I joined RMT in order to protect myself at work. I had no hesitation in joining the strongest all-grades union on the railways. I am proud of the fact that RMT defends all its members regardless of the job they do and what grade they are. As a track worker I need to know that I have strong union behind me, particularly when it comes to health and safety. I was recently a delegate at this year’s annual general meeting in Nottingham and I saw the democratic structures of the union in action. Delegates took part in the many debates and even had their arguments and disagreements. But it was carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect. It was also interesting to hear contributions from fraternal delegates and learn that transport and energy workers from around the world faced the same issues and problems. I came away firmly believing that RMT is the most open, democratic and inclusive union I have ever been involved in. Members are treated equally regardless of their position or job and that unity is its strength. R ock solid 24-hour strike action by 450 RMT signallers and supervisors in Scotland has forced Network Rail to agree a deal over rostering and transfer issues. RMT members walked off the job after voting a margin of more than two to one to take action. A second 24-hour strike was suspended by the RMT executive after the deal outlined below was agreed at ACAS:- • Local base rosters will be agreed by both parties under the Collective Bargaining Procedures • Once agreed, base rosters are binding on both parties • Base rosters must contain a quarterly safety brief (QSB) day including a Cognisco test every quarter • Cognisco assessments will be planned to take place as part of the rostered quarterly safety brief day which it is recognised as binding on both parties. In circumstances where it is necessary to carry out a Cognisco test separately from the QSB day this will be shown on the weekly roster • As part of the QSB day, Cognisco testing will be scheduled away from the workplace. However, if necessary, this can be undertaken at the work location provided this can be carried out free of distraction. • If business needs require management to cancel a Cognisco test they will request the member of staff to come off their booked work and endeavour to ensure that at the earliest opportunity the member of staff undertakes their Cognisco test by mutual agreement and within 13 weeks • If a Cognisco test falls on annual leave this will be rescheduled within 4 weeks of return from annual leave and prior notice will be given to the member of staff • Any change to booking on or off times will be by mutual agreement. Staff retain the right to refuse to change booking on and off times. Free days on the roster will only be altered in accordance with collective bargaining procedures During the dispute RMT asked the Railways Inspectorate to investigate reports that a train was signalled into a platform at Edinburgh Waverley station at the same time as another was being signalled out of it, and to probe the competency of managers being used to staff signal boxes during the signallers’ strike. SCOTTISH NETWORK RAIL STRIKE SOLID WHY I JOINED RMT Name: Steve Wallace Job: Ultrasonic operator in Fort William Employer: Network Rail