INTEGRATION OF TRACK AND TRAIN OPERATIONS – NETWORK RAIL
I write further to my previous circular on the above matter (Ref: IR/379/16, 6th December 2016) in which I advised you of your union’s disgust over hearing stories via the press that the government is planning to integrate track and train operations.
As I informed you in that circular, I wrote to Network Rail expressing this union’s concern and alarm at the press reports and that we had been kept in the dark over the plans. Network Rail has now responded indicating that the speech given by the Secretary of State was in line with its policy of “Delivering for our Customers” plan and strategy which it had been pursuing since 2014. The company also advised that it had sent out emails to staff in an effort to try to calm any fears employees may have.
Additionally, Network Rail indicated to me that the Department for Transport is planning to publish a Rail Vision Paper in the New Year and that the company would be willing to meet with RMT to “allay your concerns.”
Your National Executive Committee has noted the above points and instructed me to remain vigilant over this matter and also to take up the offer of a meeting with the company and this is currently being arranged.
I will of course keep you advised of all further developments in this matter. In the meantime, I would be grateful if you could bring this information to the attention of your members.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary