NIGHT WORK TAKES ITS TOLL

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january/february 2025 :: RMTnews 16 Night work is pushing rail workers towards dangerous health conditions and damaging their family lives, according to a new RMT report. The union commissioned the research by Greenwich University after Network Rail (NWR) draw back from the findings of a report it commissioned from Nottingham University called ‘Rapid review of interventions to minimise the health impacts of night working’. The union set out to obtain independent research on the impact on RMT members of night work on workers and their families given that some of the new NWR contracts require 39 weeks per year of night shifts and 39 weekends. Based on interviews with rail staff from Network Rail, London Underground, and London Northeastern Railway, the study lays bare the severe impact of night shifts, highlighting widespread fatigue, long-term health problems, and intense pressure on family relationships. The findings paint a bleak picture, linking night work to a range of physical and mental health risks, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic sleep disorders. Fatigue from back-to-back night shifts leaves many workers unable to recover properly before their next shift, with this recovery time going unpaid and eating into personal time. There are also growing concerns about worker safety, especially during long commutes home after a gruelling shift, with inadequate fatigue management making accidents more likely. On the home front, night shifts are tearing families apart. Workers describe how working through the night cuts them off from their partners and children, leading to strained relationships and, in some cases, family breakdowns. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the report exposed the harsh truth about night work on transport workers. “Our members are suffering serious health issues and struggling to maintain a work- life balance. Chronic fatigue is a reality for many, and the industry's failure to manage fatigue puts workers at risk. “The rail sector in particular needs to step up and take immediate action to support night workers and protect their well-being,” he said. The report also criticised management for failing to support night workers, with employees often left to deal with fatigue and health risks on their own. Many feel they cannot raise concerns about safety, while the physical demands of night-time maintenance work make conditions even tougher. KEY REPORT FINDINGS INCLUDE: • Serious health risk: Night work is linked to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and severe sleep issues, compounded by chronic fatigue. • Impact on families: Many night workers report feeling isolated from their families, leading to significant strain on personal relationships. • Lack of managerial support: Workers feel let down by management, with minimal attention paid to their safety and well-being. • Pressure to take overtime: Financial pressures and short staffing levels force workers into overtime despite health risks. • Poor fatigue management: Inadequate systems leave workers vulnerable to accidents and further health problems. RECOMMENDATIONS Long runs of seven-night shifts are especially exhausting for workers and there needs to be consideration to reduce these to shorter blocks of night work and ensuring that the number of recovery days are sufficient to overcome sleep deprivation. The Health and Safety Executive (2006) advises against slow rotations of seven nights, recommending instead fast rotations of a maximum of three nights in a row followed by at least two nights of sleep before a shift pattern change. These should be regarded as a minimum. The union needs to continue to negotiate rosters, with input from workers locally. There needs to be greater levels of worker control over rosters and managerial support for roster changes and roster flexibility to reduce fatigue. RMT is demanding that the industry overhaul night work policies, including offering more leave, compensating for recovery time, and implementing more flexible shift patterns to help workers manage their family commitments. Better fatigue management systems and stronger safety protections are also a priority. Mr Lynch added: "We won't NIGHT WORK TAKES ITS TOLL Night work can wreck transport workers’ health and family life, RMT report