GWR: Tri Annual Representative Elections TSD

Tri Annual Representative Elections

It is now getting very close to 3 years since we signed the first of 2 collective bargaining agreements with GWR. The first on 9^th August 2021 was for the then Train Service Delivery followed by the Rostering and Resources Department the following February 2022.

After signing the collective bargaining agreement, we filled the first representative seats on 10^th September 2021, the term of office for representative seats is 3 years, therefore I am writing out to ask members to consider standing for the position of Workplace Representative and all seats in the constituency are up for election.

Quiet a number of things have happened since we signed that agreement, we went through a high level reorganisation where we managed to assure protections in terms of basic pay and standardising flexibility allowances for those affected, we’ve since gone on to widen out the coverage of Rest Day Work payments and ensure that is now paid at the correct rate going forward as the company had failed to increase this in line with pay agreements as per their contractual obligations and the vast majority have now received payments to recompense them for the backdated amount, although we are still working with GWR to resolve some underpayments for a small list of individuals. But the important thing to remember is that without workplace representatives who have the knowledge of the issues and the ability to canvas members on the ground we wouldn’t have been able to achieve some of these great things on behalf of members.

There have also been changes to the way the department is structured with some staff moved under Network Operations and others under Performance but in terms of the constituencies that the representatives cover there is no change in the bargaining groups and who can stand for those positions although I would stress that having 3 representatives all from the same roster has proved problematic in getting the company to organise and agree release for the reps at the joint council meetings so I would ask that if there are members from different job roles who could come forward to represent their colleagues that would greatly assist us and also enable a wider coverage of representation for members.

We have various issues that we still want to improve on your behalf, like resolving the workloads on the East desk, arguing to make Flexibility payments Pensionable, seeking for improvements like introducing grade progression within roles amongst other things so whoever you chose to represent you needs to be passionate about seeking improvements on behalf of all within the bargaining group and seeking to work together as an effective reps team in order to help you our members achieve those aims.

Representative constituencies

There will be 4 representative positions up for nomination and once elected the seats will run for a 3-year term from no earlier than 10 September 2024 (dependent on whether elections are needed if the date of closure of elections is later then the term of office will start later). Existing reps will be in place until we have declared the outcome of the election process.

Nominees will need to be nominated by 6 TSSA members within the relevant constituency i.e. within the “TSD and Performance Constituency - Swindon” both those that stand and those that nominate a colleague to stand for election will need to have their substantive role in one of the following job roles, Delay Attributor, Delay Attributor Team Leader, Customer Information Coordinators, Customer Experience Managers, Fleet Operations Controllers, Trains Service Managers, Incident Managers, Duty Service Delivery Managers, Delay Attribution Manager, Trains Service Delivery Manager, Train Service Delivery Support Manager.

Within the “TSD and Performance Constituency - Outbased” constituency both those that stand and those that nominate a colleague to stand for election will need to have their substantive role in one of the following job roles, Operations Resource Assistant, Area Operations Manager, Train Running Support Controller, Lead Area Operations Manager.

TSD and Performance Constituency:

Swindon = 3 x representatives’ positions

Outbased Constituency = 1 representative position

Your reps are incredibly important and as well as providing support and advice to members, they take part in consultations and negotiations with the employer as part of the Joint Council and Company Council raising issues on your behalf and for your betterment.

Representative nominations

To stand for one of the above representative positions, you must:

work within one of the above constituencies
have a minimum of 6 months service with GWR
receive 6 nominations from other TSSA members within the same constituency

Open the nomination form, save & print it. Please fully complete the form with your details, obtain the names details and signatures from 6 valid nominees and then scan and email it to Alan Valentine.

Nominations should be received no later than 9am on Thursday 5^th September 2024

Any questions should be directed to Alan Valentine (please note Alan will be on leave after 14^th August and won’t return until 2^nd September).

If at the closing date, there are more valid nominations/candidates than seats for the relevant constituency then I will make arrangements to run an election. If at the end of the nomination period, there are less nomination forms received that seats within the constituency then any candidates will be declared elected unopposed.

Make sure to read the full collective bargaining agreement that enables us to have Union reps in TSD & R&R. It’s advisable that anyone wishing to stand as a rep should read this and understand it.

All representatives will be entitled to paid time off to carry out their duties and receive training and for that matter talk to colleagues about the benefits of joining a trade union as per Procedure Agreement 5 – Time off for Trade union Duties and Activities.

Strong Membership

Remember you have won the right to have collective bargaining by having a majority of colleagues who recognise the importance of collective strength by being members of and being part of the TSSA family. Please never forget that, pass the message on like a baton to those that follow and ensure that you encourage new staff and existing colleagues to join TSSA online. Every additional member helps our collective strength and our ability to bargain on your behalf, it is also only TSSA members who decide who represents you so it is another important reason to ensure as many people as possible are in TSSA membership.

I am aware that Kevin Croker won’t be in a position to stand for election as he will be moving onto a new job so I would ask you to join me in thanking him for his hard work and efforts on behalf of members.