Virgin Trains CSA vs Cross Country RSM

[jimmy712]

Hi Guys, Just wanted some advice. In the last week I have been offered a position as Retail Service Manager for CrossCountry which I had an interview for recently and I have been offered a job as a CSA Onboard for Virgin Trains which I have an interview for in October. The role with Virgin Trains is 6 Months whereas the CrossCountry position is permanent. I just wanted to know if anyone can share any experiences with me as I am new to the rail industry having come from airlines. Thanks

 

[156441]

The Cross country job seems like a better deal.
The Virgin franchise will soon go back out to tender and one would assume the 'fixed term' staff will be the first to get the axe if the new franchise holder doesn't need them!!

 

[leonardos84]

Totally cross country mate...

 

[Lrd]

Go with the permanent Cross Country job.

Well done on getting offered both though.

 

[Pumbaa]

Manchester I assume?

The XC bunch are a good laugh at Manc. As an RSM you'll go as far as Reading and Bristol. You can also end up going to Derby and Leeds if you're unlucky.

Have a look at the T&Cs. XC don't get overtime until you're 2 hours into disruption. You also work alone for the most part with the TM to keep you company. Virgin have larger crews so may be sociable.

Purely on the basis of contract type, Id go for XC.

 

[Ferret]

Manchester I assume?

The XC bunch are a good laugh at Manc. As an RSM you'll go as far as Reading and Bristol. You can also end up going to Derby and Leeds if you're unlucky.

Have a look at the T&Cs. XC don't get overtime until you're 2 hours into disruption. You also work alone for the most part with the TM to keep you company. Virgin have larger crews so may be sociable.

Purely on the basis of contract type, Id go for XC.

I thought it was only TMs who have the first two hours of delays each week as free overtime for the company! Pretty sure that for RSMs, they get paid!

 

[Pumbaa]

I thought it applied to RSM too. That and their ridiculously short turnaround times...

 

[jimmy712]

Thanks for your advice guys! I have only had the virgin contract through so far but I should get the XC one next week. Both positions are out of Manchester. I will probably take the XC one to be fair as Virgin want me to start the 7th Jan and my medical is on weds! but XC is 28th Jan so it gives me a bit more time to prepare!

 

[Ferret]

It never used to apply to RSMs, if it does now it's a recent development I'm not aware of.

 

[richw]

I'd go for XC simply because its a permanent position. Unless you arent worried about potentially being unemployed in 6 months.

 

[jimmy712]

I would have liked to work for Virgin, that was my preferred company because there would be a bigger team onboard but yes it worries me that It will only be for 6 months. I am not sure what the difference is in pay. My virgin contract says £17,338 rising to £21,336 after training based on a 35 hour week. I think XC is similar from what I can remember when I originally applied. I hate decisions!!

 

[ainsworth74]

With the uncertainty around the West Coast franchise and with the contract only being six months I would go for XC unless your willing to risk being unemployed again in six months. Besides there's no reason you can't apply for other VT (or their successor) positions in the future when the situation is more stable and by that time you'll have plenty of directly relevant work experience from your time with XC.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush mate.
Take the XC job and see how you feel in a year.

 

[142094]

How much are XC offering for the CSA position?

 

[Simon11]

How much are XC offering for the CSA position?

I assume you mean rsm? From memory its around £22k once qualified?

 

[windnoise69]

@ XC Manchester you'll be going to the delights of Paignton, Exeter, Bristol & Bournemouth.

Plenty of RD's and plenty of scope for overtime.

Plus with delays you get paid no matter Whst the extent of the delay and has been for many years

 

[jimmy712]

yes they said at the interview that we do those routes! they also said we work a max of 4 days a week sometimes 3. Still got to decide which one to take! i am sure that when i applied to XC it was £21k a year after training but that was based on a 41 hour week whereas the virgin figures are 35 hour week. I am going to ring Virgin back tomorrow and ask a few questions before I turn it down because I am unsure how long the training period is before you get the payrise as it does not say in the contract.

 

[Yew]

I would go for XC as its permenent. Even if the XC contrac was 6 months I would say so, as there is less uncertainty when the end of the contract comes around, Although if both the contracts where permement I would be tempted say Virgin.

 

[windnoise69]

XC is based on a 38 hour week although with spares the week could be longee