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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2025 :: RMTnews 18 Delegates to the train crew and shunting grades meeting in Cardiff called for consistency, safety, and fairness in the workplace. Delegates highlighted several long-standing issues affecting rail staff, from fragmented training standards to inadequate support following traumatic incidents. Disparities in post-incident care for rail staff were raised and concerns over a ‘two-tier’ approach to support following fatalities involving trains were a major topic of discussion for delegates. Train drivers reportedly receive immediate assistance, including managerial presence and relief drivers whereas other frontline staff, such as guards receive little more than a phone call, delegates agreed. Delegates called for a review of current procedures to ensure consistent and equitable support for all staff affected by such incidents. Rick Woolley, Liverpool No.5 said: “We are both shocked and appalled to learn that the level of care afforded to train crew grades in the immediate aftermath of a fatality incident which is virtually non-existent. “Dialogue needs to be opened with management to ensure that when train crew and shunting grades involved in fatality incidents are treated in the same manner and with the same level of respect as our driver colleagues,” he said. Dalbir Dhillon, Manchester Victoria gave a moving account of his experiences dealing with a fatality and how the company treated him following the incident. “I was advised by control to go down with a hi-vis on to the track and to check the driver was ok. In doing so I ended up seeing the remains of the body. “And I remember control asking me if they could get a relief driver out, to replace the driver, would I be willing to turn round and take the service forward. “When I turned round and said no, they said ‘are you sure... it will inconvenience passengers and add to cancellations going forward’. “That’s how little they think REPRESENTING TRAIN CREW The organising conference for train crew and shunting grades opposes ‘two tier’ workforce