Yorkshire Lad
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- 19 Feb 2019
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- 19
Thanks Mike. Most helpful and really appreciated.
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New Northern Rail Conductor
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Thanks Mike. Most helpful and really appreciated.
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Heroic RMT guards beat back Northern rail in fight against dangerous driver-only operation
Northern Rail workers striking to save the guard, 19.6.18, photo Elaine Brunskill (Click to enlarge)
A Northern rail guard
After 47 days of solid and determined industrial action in defence of rail safety and jobs, a significant breakthrough has occurred in the fight to guarantee a guard on every Northern rail train.
Northern guards were set to strike for the 48th time when news filtered through that Arriva Rail North, the Department for Transport and Transport for the North had agreed a number of concessions.
They confirmed that, for the duration of the current franchise, every train will run with a conductor on board in addition to the driver. In addition, where new or modified rolling stock is being introduced, every train will continue to run with a conductor. The specifics of the operational models and the 'modernised' conductor role will, however, need to be negotiated.
This was a significant shift from the position put just before Christmas, when Arriva Rail North was attempting to force the transport union RMT into a so-called 'independent inquiry' on driver-only operation (DOO) - supported by the Chambers of Commerce and a Tory mayor!
The rail minister has now confirmed government support for a conductor on every Arriva Rail North train, as well as funding to ensure this will result in contractual changes to the franchise agreement. The rotten requirement to run at least 50% of train mileage on the basis of DOO has been scrapped.
This important win has been achieved through the determination and resolve of train guards across the north. There was no slow trickle back to work. The picket lines remained solid.
The financial hit to big business in the urban areas of the north has been significant. The strikes have had a serious effect on the local economy. Despite being inconvenienced, the travelling public has been fully supportive of us in our fight.
Naturally, the instinct of union members is to remain suspicious about the employer's intentions, especially with the key words "safety-critical guard" absent from the agreement.
Guard guarantee
The fact that the 'guard guarantee' only applies until the end of the franchise, and that we may face the same battles in a few years' time, is another concern.
There now needs to be a guarantee from the union negotiators that there will be no concessions agreed on pay, jobs or terms and conditions. Members' meetings should be organised to agree 'red lines' that shouldn't be crossed in the deal - and any proposed deal needs to be voted on by the membership.
Any erosion of our role and responsibilities will not be tolerated. The union's democratically agreed Train Crew Charter must be respected and upheld.
It is vital that guards retain door control and platform train interface responsibilities. The RMT has made it clear throughout the dispute that we would only negotiate on the 'conventional' or 'interim' operational models.
Our 'friends at the front' and drivers' union Aslef reps on Northern have repeatedly stated they will not touch the doors. Let the driver drive and the guard guard.
We've beaten back the rotten Tory government with that 'specialist in failure' Chris Grayling as transport secretary. He wanted to roll out DOO as the default operational model in order to increase profits for spivs and speculators, putting profit before safety.
Following the guards' victory, the German state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn is looking to sell up its Arriva UK operations.
The begging bowl and bungs from the government can no longer prop up this basket case franchise. It's time to nationalise our railways and bring them under democratic workers' control and management to be run in the interests of the public not shareholders.
The RMT has now won concessions and agreements on Greater Anglia, Scotrail and Merseyrail. Despite the Tory anti-trade union laws - guards on the South Western franchise have just delivered another whopping mandate to keep up the fight against DOO. RMT members aren't going silently into the night. When we fight we can win.
All 1,400 heroic Northern guards can hold their heads up high for having fought for and retained a safety-critical conductor on all Northern trains. A true inspiration to workers and our class - solidarity!
Northern Rail workers striking to save the guard, 19.6.18, photo Elaine Brunskill (Click to enlarge)
A Northern rail guard
After 47 days of solid and determined industrial action in defence of rail safety and jobs, a significant breakthrough has occurred in the fight to guarantee a guard on every Northern rail train.
Northern guards were set to strike for the 48th time when news filtered through that Arriva Rail North, the Department for Transport and Transport for the North had agreed a number of concessions.
They confirmed that, for the duration of the current franchise, every train will run with a conductor on board in addition to the driver. In addition, where new or modified rolling stock is being introduced, every train will continue to run with a conductor. The specifics of the operational models and the 'modernised' conductor role will, however, need to be negotiated.
This was a significant shift from the position put just before Christmas, when Arriva Rail North was attempting to force the transport union RMT into a so-called 'independent inquiry' on driver-only operation (DOO) - supported by the Chambers of Commerce and a Tory mayor!
The rail minister has now confirmed government support for a conductor on every Arriva Rail North train, as well as funding to ensure this will result in contractual changes to the franchise agreement. The rotten requirement to run at least 50% of train mileage on the basis of DOO has been scrapped.
This important win has been achieved through the determination and resolve of train guards across the north. There was no slow trickle back to work. The picket lines remained solid.
The financial hit to big business in the urban areas of the north has been significant. The strikes have had a serious effect on the local economy. Despite being inconvenienced, the travelling public has been fully supportive of us in our fight.
Naturally, the instinct of union members is to remain suspicious about the employer's intentions, especially with the key words "safety-critical guard" absent from the agreement.
Guard guarantee
The fact that the 'guard guarantee' only applies until the end of the franchise, and that we may face the same battles in a few years' time, is another concern.
There now needs to be a guarantee from the union negotiators that there will be no concessions agreed on pay, jobs or terms and conditions. Members' meetings should be organised to agree 'red lines' that shouldn't be crossed in the deal - and any proposed deal needs to be voted on by the membership.
Any erosion of our role and responsibilities will not be tolerated. The union's democratically agreed Train Crew Charter must be respected and upheld.
It is vital that guards retain door control and platform train interface responsibilities. The RMT has made it clear throughout the dispute that we would only negotiate on the 'conventional' or 'interim' operational models.
Our 'friends at the front' and drivers' union Aslef reps on Northern have repeatedly stated they will not touch the doors. Let the driver drive and the guard guard.
We've beaten back the rotten Tory government with that 'specialist in failure' Chris Grayling as transport secretary. He wanted to roll out DOO as the default operational model in order to increase profits for spivs and speculators, putting profit before safety.
Following the guards' victory, the German state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn is looking to sell up its Arriva UK operations.
The begging bowl and bungs from the government can no longer prop up this basket case franchise. It's time to nationalise our railways and bring them under democratic workers' control and management to be run in the interests of the public not shareholders.
The RMT has now won concessions and agreements on Greater Anglia, Scotrail and Merseyrail. Despite the Tory anti-trade union laws - guards on the South Western franchise have just delivered another whopping mandate to keep up the fight against DOO. RMT members aren't going silently into the night. When we fight we can win.
All 1,400 heroic Northern guards can hold their heads up high for having fought for and retained a safety-critical conductor on all Northern trains. A true inspiration to workers and our class - solidarity!
Yorkshire Lad
Member
- Joined
- 19 Feb 2019
- Messages
- 19
Hi Mike
I guess you're now in your 3rd week, still as excited?
What's the past two weeks been like, challenging?
All the best, 2 weeks yesterday and it's my turn.
Take care
Just replied to your PM
Training is going great for me. Just going out on live trains etc preparing for our interim assessments. When you're in the classroom the theory can be a bit overwhelming at times but once you start going out it all clicks into place. At some point all of us didn't think we would remember everything but you soon do.
Good luck when you start next week. Best career choice I've ever made
Can I ask anyone who has started their training how long it is before you are issued with a uniform. Before I go out and spend money on clothes I would nt typically wear that is. My letter says smart attire and with the exception of a few suits and ties I don't really have that much so will need to get a few bits and bobs.
Oh and how are the people finding it now they are well into their training??
TIA Paul.
Oh and how are the people finding it now they are well into their training??
TIA Paul.
Monkeyfuzz
Member
- Joined
- 22 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 22
When do you start Paul? I start in August 
it’s the slowest time now!!
it’s the slowest time now!!Arty Morgan
Member
I'm on August 5th course in Manchester
I wonder how many courses they run concurrently then. They seem pretty close together. I wonder if its connected to your depot I.e. Blackpool in my case.
5th of August would suit me better if I had the option, Im getting made redundant beginning of July and only really wanted a couple of weeks not working.
5th of August would suit me better if I had the option, Im getting made redundant beginning of July and only really wanted a couple of weeks not working.
Monkeyfuzz
Member
- Joined
- 22 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 22
I’m 5th August but Leeds I’ve sent my contract back but heard nothing since
I’ve sent my contract back but heard nothing since Monkeyfuzz
Member
- Joined
- 22 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 22
I got it mid May - it has to be back end of May. I’ve spoken to them today and will get my pass afew days before I start
Monkeyfuzz
Member
- Joined
- 22 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 22
I would. They’ve been super with me as it’s made me quite anxious this whole process!
Arty Morgan
Member
If you're on a course in Manchester and are classed as residential does anyone know which hotel/s they use?
Monkeyfuzz
Member
- Joined
- 22 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 22
Did you call them Paul
Hi, sorry yes. I called Friday and they said they were preparing paperwork for that intake date and should have something through in a few weeks. They did nt ask for any details just whether I was successful. So Every time I come in, its the first thing I check. Even though its only been a few days :-0
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