RMT DEMANDS URGENT SUPPORT FOR SSP RAIL CATERERS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april bulletin 1 2020 :: RMTnews 9 R MT is demanding that immediate action is taken to support the industry’s outsourced caterers, who work across the railway in station outlets such as Ritazza and Upper Crust, who have been left high and dry by their employer, Select Service Partner (SSP), during the Coronavirus crisis. RMT has spent weeks attempting to work with SSP, to ensure workers would be protected during this period of uncertainty, with the company totally unwilling to engage. In a particularly heartless step, SSP workers were given just a day’s notice that they were being ‘laid off’ and that their company does not plan to pay them until the government’s Job Retention Scheme is operational. Caterers are some of the lowest paid workers on the railway, and SSP’s workers now have no idea how they will manage financially until the Government scheme is in force. In contrast an agreement has been reached by the Rail Industry Coronavirus Forum which guarantees that rail caterers who are directly contracted by Train Companies, such as on-train caterers, will be paid 80 per cent of their normal salary by their employer. SSP subsidiary, Rail Gourmet, is included in this agreement. That SSP has so far refused the same protection for its other workers is a gross injustice. RMT is calling on Government to ensure that these workers receive the same protections during these uncertain times. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was an outrageous show of contempt for hard working employees. “SSP has chosen to protect its own interests rather than support its low paid workers during this crisis. This is the textbook definition of a ‘bad boss’. "SSP workers now have no idea how they will pay their bills and make ends meet until the government’s scheme is operational. "Staff employed at one of SSP’s subsidiaries, Rail Gourmet, now has security that 80 per cent of their income will be paid by their employer during this time. This must be extended to all of SSP’s rail caterers as a matter of urgency. "SSP has contracts at stations managed by Network Rail or Train Operating Companies, and these companies should be demanding it protects its workers. "That SSP has so far refused to protect its workers during this period of uncertainty proves once and for all that their time on the rail industry is up and their workers should be brought in-house, to ensure receive the basic protections that they deserve,” he said. places in schools. The school childcare places are for rail workers who are essential to keep the railway open for our passengers and freight customers. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, wherever possible. It is recognised, that in some cases rail workers may experience challenges in managing childcare. In such circumstances we will seek to support them and encourage all parents and guardians to approach their line manager to explore alternative arrangements that are not agreeable and not detrimental to the individual. It is because of this critical role for rail workers that the health, safety and security of rail workers remains our top priority. At all times, guidance will be followed and good practice will be shared in the industry with the aim of ensuring that those who are required to work shall be and feel suitably protected as is practical to do so whilst carrying out their duties. These will be based on the principle of social distancing through modifying working arrangements where practical to do so and include: • Provision of personal protective equipment where appropriate • changes to workplaces (including rest facilities) • changes to working arrangements/duties and additional cleaning routines to reduce risk of contamination and infection Where rail workers are not able to attend for work due to showing symptoms or are self- isolating, in compliance with government guidance, because someone in their household has symptoms, sick pay will be applicable, in line with contractual arrangements. Qualification periods for new entrants (i.e. with less than six months service) consideration will be given to these being waived. Rail workers covered by the government guidance on shielding and protecting people who are defined on medical grounds as being extremely vulnerable from Coronavirus who have been advised by their GP or NHS representative to self-isolate will receive full sick pay (i.e. not subject to reduction if entitlement becomes exhausted under contractual arrangements with any booked/rostered Annual Leave falling due, being taken) for the period of isolation as instructed by the GP or NHS. We will support rail workers on a case by case basis who are able to remain at work safely and who are covered by the Government guidance of being at an increased risk. However, if it is then deemed that they should self-isolate, they will receive full sick pay (i.e. not subject to reduction if entitlement becomes exhausted under contractual arrangements, with any booked/rostered Annual Leave falling due, being taken, or accrued leave being used first) for the period of isolation as instructed by the GP or NHS. For direct contractors’ employees e.g. those undertaking cleaning and catering on trains for DfT franchised train operating companies, all unavailability for work due to Coronavirus sickness or self-isolation or a reduced requirement to work due to a revised level of train service will be paid by their employer as a minimum the equivalent they would receive under the Government’s Furlough scheme being 80 per cent of their basic pay. All sickness absence related to Coronavirus will be excluded from sickness absence monitoring procedures. These emergency working principles will help protect rail workers, their jobs and pay whilst enabling the railway to continue to operate during the coronavirus crisis and to encourage all rail industry companies to follow these principles. These emergency temporary measures or provisions shall principally apply to train operating companies, freight operating companies and Network Rail for the duration of the Coronavirus crisis or up to June 30 2020. The RICF will continue to meet on a regular basis throughout this period to encourage the sharing of good practice and where applicable to the rail industry implement any new guidance and advice and the provision of additional guidance as considered necessary as it applies to these emergency working principles. RMT DEMANDS URGENT SUPPORT FOR SSP RAIL CATERERS