Contractual difference between OBS and conductor

[pompeyfan]

The 313 withdrawal thread has led me to the following question, but didn’t want to clog up the relevant thread so thought I’d ask it here.

Purely from an individuals point of view (removing the competency arguments), what are the main differences in the T&Cs and in the pocket between the two grades on Southern?

I understand that for conductors, Sundays are outside so the headline figure is significantly lower, however the hourly rate is near enough the same? I’m also under the impression that the commission structure is different. OBS get a flat 50p per ticket however conductors get 5%. Are rest day work enhancements the same? Anything else I’ve missed?

 

[Jenny]

This is all correct.
Guard basic is lower, but like you said Sundays are outside the working week so they make up their money with that.
Commission is correct, and pretty much balances out too as 313s generally do shorter journeys so 5% doesn’t work out loads.
I think OBS working week is around 2 hours a week more.
Guards can be asked to cover OBS work on spare or cover turns, obviously that can’t be reciprocated back.
Less medical restrictions for OBS too.
Rest day working enhancements are the same as far as I’m aware, you get what you work on normal pay, unless you negotiate extra hours. There is no 1.5 times pay etc

 

[pompeyfan]

Thanks for that information. I’m surprised rest day working isn’t paid at an enhanced rate on either grade.

 

[387star]

I heard all OBS will gradually be upskilled to Conductors due to Southern losing some legal case ? Sounds like nonsense?

 

[king_walnut]

I heard all OBS will gradually be upskilled to Conductors due to Southern losing some legal case ? Sounds like nonsense?

I highly doubt it because a lot of OBS could not pass a safety critical medical.

 

[pompeyfan]

Did they ever get REC call training as promised?

 

[387star]

Yeah believe so
Note GX OBS frequent Soutuern trains as well. Presumably their training is identical

 

[Jenny]

REC call training, yes. PTS, no.

There’s strong rumours circulating amongst southern staff that OBS will be made safety critical again. Including dispatching and learning to split and attach trains. But just rumours, no one has seen anything to suggest this will actually happen. As mentioned above, there are a lot of OBS who wouldn’t pass the medical if this happens. As there are a few who are colour blind, plus other medical ailments.

 

[pompeyfan]

REC call training, yes. PTS, no.

There’s strong rumours circulating amongst southern staff that OBS will be made safety critical again. Including dispatching and learning to split and attach trains. But just rumours, no one has seen anything to suggest this will actually happen. As mentioned above, there are a lot of OBS who wouldn’t pass the medical if this happens. As there are a few who are colour blind, plus other medical ailments.

Thanks, very interesting if true. Would the splitting and attaching be doing the fly doors to speed up those activities?

 

[Horizon22]

REC call training, yes. PTS, no.

There’s strong rumours circulating amongst southern staff that OBS will be made safety critical again. Including dispatching and learning to split and attach trains. But just rumours, no one has seen anything to suggest this will actually happen. As mentioned above, there are a lot of OBS who wouldn’t pass the medical if this happens. As there are a few who are colour blind, plus other medical ailments.

I sincerely doubt it personally - a lot of ex-Revenue staff became OBS as have loads of new recruits and who knows how many would pass a safety-critical medical as you say. In additon, GTR the DfT would have a whole omlette on their face considering how bitter and fierce 2016-2018 was regarding the regrading of guards and how "necessary" it was! Southern's system now currently works quite effectively after all the previous disruption.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Thanks for that information. I’m surprised rest day working isn’t paid at an enhanced rate on either grade.

Does anyone get RDW paid at enhanced rate? Sundays sure, Saturday RDW sure, but I wouldn't think it's the norm.