PUBLISH SOUTHERN RAIL REPORTS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2017 :: RMTnews 5 RMT has demanded that the government immediately publishes a detailed report into the basket-case Southern Rail franchise which has been kept under wraps by the Transport Department since last year. The report, commissioned in September 2016, was written by Chris Gibb, a non-executive director at Network Rail with 35 years of experience in the industry. It is thought to have been sent back to the government late last year and has been kept under wraps ever since. It was widely reported that the study was being supressed by the DfT until after the election due to the damaging nature of its contents. The thinking was that with the Tories expecting a landslide victory they could sneak the report out while they enjoyed a Commons majority which never came to pass. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was scandalous that the Gibb Report remained under lock and key in a vault at the Department for Transport. “RMT is demanding its immediate publication as the stench of the Southern Rail fiasco hangs like a cloud over this rotten government and reminds passengers that the alternative option of public ownership is now right up the agenda. “We were told that the report would be published after the election. “Well, the election has been and gone and the Tories took a hammering along the length of the Southern routes as the electorate sent out the clearest possible message about their failing transport services. “Not only does RMT want to see the Gibb Report but the union is also stepping up the campaign to reverse the attack on the guards and to end the privatised rip-off that blights Britain’s railways,” he said. RMT is seeking clear assurances from First MTR, the outfit due to take over the South West Trains franchise in August, that they will honour a written commitments not to ex tend Driver-Only Operation or threaten the jobs and roles of the guards. In a letter to the company, RMT general secretary Mick Cash is seeking assurances that, following the TUPE transfer, the following will apply for duration of your company holding the Franchise. * There will be no extension of DOO on any route or service. * The Guard will be in full operational control of the power operated doors. * There will be no abolishing or reduction of the safety critical role of the Guard. * There will be no abolishing or reduction of the role of the guard in operation of the doors. * That any new rolling stock will be configured and have the necessary equipment to enable the guard to retain full operational control of the power operated doors. ”I also seek your written assurance that the current levels for the retention of ticket offices, the hours of operation and staffing levels will remain as agreed with the current Franchisee. “I have to report back to my national executive committee as a matter of urgency, and bearing in mind the current timescales of the transfer of ownership, your assurances on the above would be welcomed by no later than Monday July 3," the letter said. Mick Cash also pointed out that there was an agreement in place that there will be no extension of Driver Only Operation and no threat to guards’ jobs or roles and that agreement transfers with the undertaking to First MTR. "All that RMT is seeking is a clear assurance that there will be no interference with the current agreement and that it will be honoured by the new franchise holder,” he said. PUBLISH SOUTHERN RAIL REPORT! RMT CALLS ON SOUTH WEST TRAINS TO HONOUR GUARD AGREEMENT