FIRST GREAT WESTERN VICTORY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april/may 2014 :: RMTnews 5 Following a successful ballot for strike action at First Great Western the company has agreed to a comprehensive agreement that puts an end to zero hours contracts, pays cleaners the living wage as well as a review of disciplinary procedures. The company also made individual offers to dismissed members outlined in the dispute which are currently under consideration. The company has acknowledged nd their heavy-handed approach to disciplinary cases and agreed to implement a programme of full procedural training for all managers. In addition they have agreed to ensure that all investigations of staff will be concluded in normal circumstances within 28 working days. The company agreed to cease the use of zero-hour contracts with members to move to permanent contracts with guaranteed working hours. In addition these staff will now enjoy the benefits enjoyed by our full time members such as travel facilities. The new catering contract currently held by Rail Gourmet for store-based members upon renewal from June will include the payment of living wage or London living wage as applicable. The current Rail Gourmet on-board contract will cease with staff being brought back ‘in house’. In respect of the contract cleaners the company also committed to pay the living wage or London living wage on expiry of the current contract on March 31 2015. This offer is subject to the necessary consent required from the Department for Transport. However the company committed to bid for any successive franchise on the basis of the payment of the living wage as a minimum standard. FGW has also agreed to provide catering and contract workers with five standard travel boxes per year whilst the company maintains the franchise. RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash congratulated the membership for standing firm in a long-running battle for justice. “Although the union maintains the principle demand for all workers to be brought back into direct employment this an important development and of great benefit to our members. “The industrial strength demonstrated by our members during this dispute has forced First Great Western to treat both this union and our members with dignity and respect. “This shows that we can defeat the disgraceful exploitation taking place under these zero-hour contracts and that we can win at the workplace for all grades,” he said. FIRST GREAT WESTERN VICTORY RMT wins deal to end to zero hours contracts, pay cleaners the living wage and forces a review of disciplinary procedures