XC RMT Strike - travel advice queries

[Russel]

There’s no agreement for the return of RSM’s doing lone working - at the moment. I for one never had a problem doing it, but apparently the RMT did, hence the change. XC wanted it, the union didn’t.

I just wish TM's would stop suggesting the locking out of the second set is down to health and safety when they make announcements apologising for the overcrowding...

 

[ValentaFan1974]

Technically that’s the reason. Catering staff are not safety-critical hence the decision to stop using us as “competent persons” - we’re not allowed to reset passcoms etc so if one is activated in a set with no TM and the train comes to a stop, they’d need to go trackside and enter the front set to investigate etc. Until there is an agreement to change this then I don’t see it happening again….

 

[Kite159]

Technically that’s the reason. Catering staff are not safety-critical hence the decision to stop using us as “competent persons” - we’re not allowed to reset passcoms etc so if one is activated in a set with no TM and the train comes to a stop, they’d need to go trackside and enter the front set to investigate etc. Until there is an agreement to change this then I don’t see it happening again….

If only there was another member of staff in the front unit who could reset passcoms if one gets pulled, such as the driver

Like what probably happens on other operators who runs multiple units without gangways when the guard is in the rear unit.

 

[ValentaFan1974]

Apparently some of our reps have queried this further up the union food-chain and lone working is a categoric “No” for us at the moment.

 

[Russel]

Apparently some of our reps have queried this further up the union food-chain and lone working is a categoric “No” for us at the moment.

Yet it was good enough for the best part of 20 years?

 

[father_jack]

Apparently some of our reps have queried this further up the union food-chain and lone working is a categoric “No” for us at the moment.

Which is quite correct.
When the driver in the front set or the TM in the rear has a medical issue what is your plan ? Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail.

 

[ValentaFan1974]

Which is quite correct.
When the driver in the front set or the TM in the rear has a medical issue what is your plan ? Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail.

Fair enough…. However what plan is used by other TOC’s that have this arrangement?

 

[Russel]

Which is quite correct.
When the driver in the front set or the TM in the rear has a medical issue what is your plan ? Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail.

Nonsense.

The same company operates doubled up 170s with only 1 second member of staff, Chiltern, Southeastern and London Overground run double, non-gangway sets with no second member of staff all day every day and the sky doesn't fall in.

This is just the RMT throwing it's weight around.

 

[father_jack]

Fair enough…. However what plan is used by other TOC’s that have this arrangement?

"Front Set Lead". Pay someone a small premium to take basic responsibility.

 

[father_jack]

Nonsense.

The same company operates doubled up 170s with only 1 second member of staff, Chiltern, Southeastern and London Overground run double, non-gangway sets with no second member of staff all day every day and the sky doesn't fall in.

This is just the RMT throwing it's weight around.

Your opinion.

 

[Kite159]

..

"Front Set Lead". Pay someone a small premium to take basic responsibility.

So the driver on a Northern service formed of a pair of non gangway units (150/1, 195/0, 323, 331/p) gets paid extra due to being the 'front set lead'?

 

[father_jack]

..
So the driver on a Northern service formed of a pair of non gangway units (150/1, 195/0, 323, 331/p) gets paid extra due to being the 'front set lead'?

Different agreements. You don't rip up existing ones just because others have been foolish enough to.

 

[Russel]

Your opinion.

No, fact, none of the other TOCs I mentioned have a TM/Conductor in each set.

Why should XC be any different?

 

[ValentaFan1974]

"Front Set Lead". Pay someone a small premium to take basic responsibility.

Which is exactly what XC did until the RMT threw a hissy fit and stopped us being the competent person in the front.

 

[father_jack]

Not as clear cut as that.

 

[Russel]

Not as clear cut as that.

Do enlighten us...