Dispute Update: Pay Talks 22 June 2022

Yesterday, 22 June, TSSA Organisers and representatives, alongside our sister unions, met with Network Rail for another round of pay talks for Bands 5-8 and equivalent, and Controllers. 

The start of the meeting was dominated with concerns around the letter issued to all three Trade Unions inviting us to consultation on the 01 July around changes to working practices and redundancies. 

Read the contents of the letter by clicking here

Our position on no compulsory redundancies and no changes to T&Cs without our consent, along with a pay increase that accounts for the rising cost of living, has not changed. We were hopeful that we would at least make some progress towards achieving those aims. 

Although the company suggested that they would remove the invitation to attend the meeting on 1^st of July, they would not (or could not?) withdraw the letter.  

At that point the meeting was adjourned and has yet to reconvene. 

Despite the rumours members are seeing in the press, we can confirm that no improvement to pay was made or offered at yesterday’s meeting. 

We can also confirm that despite the company spin and assurances we have been given that talks will resume for our Bands 1-4 members, we are still waiting to receive an invitation from Network Rail to get back around the table since our last meeting was unexpectedly cancelled with barely 30 minute’s notice last Friday.

We were in attendance at the meeting yesterday and we were, as always, willing and available to meet with the company all day for as long as necessary. However, we did make it clear that as our Bands 5-8 and equivalent and Controller members were part of joint recognition agreements with our sister unions, we would only entertain attending pay talks if all parties were available, and only then if Network Rail are prepared to make realistic offers, that genuinely address all areas of our dispute.  

Where are we now? 

• No realistic offer on pay has been made to our members. 
• Network Rail letter issued on 20 June remains in place. 
• Network Rail have confirmed that they plan to make redundancies - but have not agreed to a no compulsory redundancy agreement.
• We are still waiting to be invited back round the table to discuss Bands 1-4 pay.

With Network Rail confirming in writing its intention to make staff redundant, our demand for a no compulsory redundancy agreement is more important than ever. Be assured, as your trade union, we will not agree any attacks on your job security or your terms and conditions.   

We will update with you with more details once we have them. In the meantime,  

• Vote yes to both questions on your TSSA ballot 
• Encourage any colleagues not yet a member of our union to join today – this is a crucial moment to have union representation.