SUPPORT MARTIN ZEE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2017 :: RMTnews 11 R MT is in formal dispute with Arriva Rail North and balloting for industrial action after the company refused to provide any assurances on the future of the safety critical role of the guard and driver-only operation. Following a long meeting between the union and the company, RMT representatives asked two simple questions: Are you prepared to guarantee a second person on all passenger services operated by Arriva Rail North? If the answer is yes, then will that second person retain full operational responsibility, for train despatch, Platform Train Interface and current rule book requirements for dealing with contingency arrangements, such as evacuation and the protection of the train? At this point Arriva representatives requested an adjournment and, after almost two hours, returned to the meeting, only to advise "that they were unable to provide a commitment at this moment in time". RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the union’s position on (DOO) was perfectly clear. “We will not agree to any extensions of DOO and will fight to retain the safety critical role of the guard and to keep a guard on the train. “We asked Arriva Rail North whether they were prepared to guarantee a second person on all passenger services and whether that second person would retain full operational responsibility, for train despatch, Platform Train Interface and current rule book requirements for dealing with contingency arrangements, such as evacuation and protection of the train. “The response from the company was particularly disappointing as Arriva North have reneged on their previous position when they stated they “were prepared to offer guarantees around a second person on board trains in addition to the driver”. “This dispute and the ballot for industrial action were entirely preventable if they had taken them seriously and had put passenger safety before profit “The union remains available for talks,” he said. ARRIVA RAIL NORTH GUARDS FIGHT RMT declares dispute on Arriva Rail North over failed assurances on guards The union is organising a show of solidarity with Merseyrail guard Martin Zee and the legal process he finds himself in. The next court date set for the hearing is on March 6 2017 and members are to be encouraged to show solidarity with Martin by attending the location of the court case, The Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, Derby Square, Liverpool Merseyside L2 1XA with other RMT members. Martin was involved in an incident at Hamilton Square last year in which an 89-year old woman was injured when she fell between the train and the platform after the door closure procedure had commenced. By following the training Martin received from the company, he was instrumental in assisting the train driver in isolating the electrical supply to the third rail by placing the short circuit bar on the running and conductor rail. Martin offered assistance to the woman until the emergency services arrived. Merseyrail has taken no action against the RMT member and all of the recommendations in the report are addressed to system risk issues rather than individual failings. However the Crown Prosecution Service commenced a prosecution case last year. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that if the CPS did not withdraw these charges it could result in grave consequences for the rail Industry in general, leaving staff with no level of protection regardless if they even follow agreed company training procedures whilst carrying out door operating procedures. “This could ultimately result in police prosecutions should a member of the travelling public choose to ignore warnings not to board a service whilst train doors are closing, potentially resulting in injury,” he said. The union has raised the matter directly with the ORR, seeking clarification on approved power operated door training standards requesting information as to who is protected in circumstances such as these and whether the wider rail industry is aware that police charges may be brought against rail workers even in circumstances when procedures are carried out as per the agreed company standard. The union has also raised the issue through the RMT Parliamentary group members to build a high profile political awareness around the case and to place pressure on the CPS to do the decent thing and withdraw the charges. SUPPORT MARTIN ZEE! Show solidarity with the Merseyrail guard outside the court on Monday March 6