SIGNALLERS DISCUSS PAY, SAFETY AND TRAINING

16 Delegates at the signalling and operations grades organising conference called for full training for Network Rail managers assigned to chair grievance hearings. Alessandro Sidoli, Shrewsbury said that lack of training often resulted in unfair outcomes and unnecessary appeals and tribunals. Lee Williams, Walsall said that some managers often lacked the required knowledge to understand proceedings and what is being presented. “The manager should be qualified and competent to make decisions of this type,” he said. Delegates rejected a motion calling for the return of the mentoring system to train recruits but supported moves for the union’s National Operations Council to enter into the negotiations with Network Rail to improve training. Delegates also called on the union to negotiate with Network Rail to support members who are terminally ill or face life-changing injuries. “We have seen members suffer from many serious conditions yet after six months of sickness the member is reduced to half pay and no pay at all after 12 months. “The added stress has a significant impact on themselves and their families,” said Richard Morley. Mark Beresford, Bedlington said that Network Rail should be following their own guidelines. Conference called for nationally agreed terms and conditions relating to the treatment of those affected. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey outlined the need to recruit and organise in the grades represented at conference. He said that Great British Railways (GBR) due to be created by next year would create a new unified structure for the railways not seen for over 30 years. “We are still trying to find out how this new unified structure will work and even who will be running it. “However, GBR will need to SIGNALLERS DISCUSS PAY, SAFETY AND TRAINING Packed signallers grades conference meet in Eastbourne Network Rail National Operations Council The union’s incoming National Operations Council (NOC), which negotiates with Network Rail ran an in-depth question and answer session with delegates. The newly elected NOC is made up of Matt Bentley who covers the East Coast, Wessex, Wales. Western and North East. Dave Conroy who covers East Mids, Anglia, Kent Sussex and High Speed. Steve Blinkhorn on West Coast South, Central and North West and Alex Dalgettie who covers Scotland. There was a full and frank exchange on a wide range of matters including pay, leave entitlement and representation. Picture: Alex Dalgettie, Matt Bentley, Eddie Dempsey, Steve Blinkhorn and Dave Conroy.