GENERAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT TO THE PRESS ON THE BETRAYAL OF OUR CONDUCTOR MEMBERS IN THE TUC LED AGREEMENT
ROLE OF THE GUARD & EXTENSION OF DOO – SOUTHERN (GTR)
I have today put out a Press statement condemning the agreement reached in the TUC led discussions by the TUC itself, ASLE&F and Southern management, an agreement that will allow the company to run trains under DOO mode. The statement is as follows:-
“This so-called agreement is a shocking and historical betrayal presided over by the TUC of not only the conductor grade and drivers, but also passengers, including disabled passengers, who have lost the guarantee of a second member of staff on their trains.
This abysmal document lists a whole host of areas where a train can leave without a second member of staff that will leave both the driver and passengers exposed and vulnerable and which also represents a thin end of the wedge that will lead to the de-staffing of trains.
Loyal and dedicated conductors, who have fought for safety for over a year have had the legs kicked from under them by those who are supposed to be on their side. Passengers and staff alike have been sold out by a stitch up cooked up in Congress House by the TUC and the bosses whilst Southern, one of the most anti-union and hated companies of recent times, is laughing all the way to the bank and have been given a free run to rip up the safety rule book in the name of profits.
This is not a deal it is a disgrace and the RMT dispute remains on and we will fight this shocking betrayal with every tool at our disposal.
We remain available for talks”
I will keep you advised of developments as they happen.
Mick Cash
General Secretary.