UNION SECURES RIGHT TO TIME OFF

The number of Union Learning Representatives has increased at Network Rail and as ULRs started to request their rightful release it came to light how ill informed the company is when it comes to ULR rights. ULRs have had statuary rights to reasonable paid release to train and carry out duties since 2002 and were finding their requests for release were being unreasonably denied. In order to clarify the situation ULRs can put in a grievance and should seek support of their Local or Area Council Rep. This does not have to be a negative process and is an opportunity to inform managers of the benefits of learning and having an active ULR. Ultimately a grievance allows for a formal agreement to be made on paid release avoiding future conflict. Kent area council rep Phil Boorman explains how a grievance has enabled ULR Chris Knight to obtain his rightful release. “As area council rep on the Kent Route I always try to see members when out and about. “I think it is important for members to know that you are there for them if they need support, help or advice. “Chris contacted me and explained that he wished to undertake training that he believed was relevant to his duties as a ULR and when he explained that he had been denied release I was not surprised. “There is a great deal of ignorance amongst managers regarding the roles of union representatives, and their rights in the workplace. I advised Chris to submit an ‘Individual Grievance’ under the heading of ‘Time off for Trade Union Duties’ and explained that Chris should keep me informed. “After a few weeks Chris had had no formal response to his grievance and it appeared as though he was being ignored. “I telephoned his manager and asked what was happening and was told that he was still waiting for advice. “I explained about the Tribunal Service and how complaints can be lodged, either sent using an Electronic ET1 form or submitted by post. “I further explained about the time limits of three months less one day and if he needed help completing the ET1 form to contact the RMT regional office,” he said. Chris submitted his ET1 form and it was accepted. Finally the employer responded with their defence of their actions, form ET3. A date for Chris’s Individual Grievance was then set. Chris had prepared excellent paperwork concerning his case. He thoroughly researched legislation and had created a list of dates and times for future relevant training in chronological order. The preparation ensured a successful result and Chris will be able to request paid time off for relevant training without hindrance in the future. Chris Knight says “the message that I gave to the managers concerned was that the whole process had been totally unnecessary, and that they would have saved a great deal of time and money if they had actually engaged in resolving this. “The positive is that the managers are now much more aware of the role and rights of a ULR and we gained assurances that time off for training would not be a problem. “I would advise any Network Rail ULR to get in touch with their area council representatives at the earliest opportunity. “Let them know what the ULR role is and what the ULR is setting out to achieve for RMT members. “They can exchange contact details and keep in touch,” he said. If you are a ULR and would like further information on grievance procedures, please contact your local or area council rep or RMT head office and remember to keep your development worker informed. RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2010 :: RMTnews 28 R MT Learning Assistant Project Manager Andrew Brattle and London Learning Organiser Sharon Allen collected an award from the Union Learning Fund at a prize giving event at the TUC. The award was in the category of Information Advice and Guidance. Comedian Lenny Henry spoke to delegates about how he recently completed a degree with the Open University and said he fully appreciated the role of union learning representatives and the importance of Lifelong Learning. RMT LEARNING REPS WIN AWARD UNION SECURES RIGHT TO TIME OFF