Avanti dispute update 18 May 2022

Circular: 28/22 18 May 2022

Circulation to: Members Direct, Branches, EC, SOGs

Dear Avanti member,

Last month, TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, wrote to Avanti management asking for the following assurances from the company by April 19th:

· That pay increases negotiated between TSSA and Avanti in 2022 will be no less than the appropriate RPI measure of inflation

· That there will be no changes to the terms and conditions of TSSA members during 2022 without the agreement of the union

· there will be no compulsory redundancies involving members of TSSA in 2022

Avanti has responded to this letter, but has not given any of the requested assurances, therefore TSSA is in dispute with the company over its failure to do so. TSSA has requested from management both a date – within seven days – for a dispute resolution meeting and one on which to begin pay talks.

As you will be aware, RMT have chosen to ballot its membership for industrial action immediately without entering pay talks or dispute resolution with Avanti; TSSA however, want to give you the power to decide on any offer your employer may make. TSSA Reps will be in pay talks with the company and meet regularly to ensure the interests of TSSA members are at the forefront of Avanti's minds, so speak to your rep about what's most important to you.

If no pay offer is forthcoming; it doesn’t meet TSSA’s aspirations or the current dispute remains unresolved, be in no doubt that we will ballot our membership immediately and liaise with our fellow rail unions on prospective action.

In the meantime, please visit My TSSA and ensure that we have your full and correct contact details including personal email address and phone number: