Network Rail – Modernising Maintenance Letter

Network Rail – Modernising Maintenance Letter  

TSSA has written to Network Rail raising serious safety concerns about the company's proposed changes through ‘Modernising Maintenance. 

TSSA has taken this step because the union has seen scant details around the planned changes.  

We strongly believe that, as presented, the changes Network Rail are looking to implement – reduction in staffing numbers, changes to ways people work and the significant reduction in routine inspection and maintenance work – pose a very real threat to the future safe running of the railway. 

The text of the letter is as follows -  

‘Modernising Maintenance Safety Consultation.  

Despite the company’s position, we (TSSA), do not believe that consultation has fully addressed all concerns relating to our members, their colleagues or the wider industry.  

We have reservations on how information was presented to us – for example, the hazard log was presented in such a way that it could only be clearly understood by those involved with hazard identification prior to consultation.  

‘We have consistently asked to be shown the rationale and mitigation to support the reduction in MST’s.  

‘We have been given details of the process and procedures that exist to review and change MST’s, but we feel nothing has been presented to satisfy how the reductions can be justified.  

‘We strongly believe that, as presented, the changes Network Rail are looking to implement – reduction in staffing numbers, changes to ways people work and the significant reduction in routine inspection and maintenance work – pose a very real threat to the future safe running of the railway.’