TSSA 'seriously concerned' over Pontypridd relocation

TSSA has expressed serious concerns over the imminent move of HQ staff employed by both Transport for Wales and its private train operator KeolisAmey from Cardiff to Pontypridd.

TSSA's Organising Director Steve Coe said: 

"Many of our members are unhappy about the move. Nearly half the staff now based in Cardiff will have their journey times to/from work extended by well over an hour each day. There is great uncertainty about the implications of the move. KeolisAmey has so far failed to engage in meaningful consultation with the TSSA, cancelling scheduled meetings with TSSA reps at short notice. And there is no sign of any discussions with Transport for Wales.

"Given that the move is apparently weeks away, we would by now expect to have received proposals from both employers about how they intend to address the problems and issues faced by their staff.

"Is it any wonder that a competition run by Transport for Wales amongst KeolisAmey staff to name the meeting rooms in the new Pontypridd HQ have been greeted with derision! Our members want reassurance, not gimmicks."

TSSA had a difficult relationship with the previous train operator Arriva Trains Wales; our members suffered years of dysfunctional employee relations and unnecessarily acrimonious negotiations, leading to a number of legacy issues that are still unresolved. The takeover by KeolisAmey in October 2018 saw TSSA promised more positive industrial relations and 'social partnership'. Whilst social partnership is often referred to by the employer, TSSA has yet to see this translated into reality.

Steve Coe said: 

"TSSA wants to work with TfW and KeolisAmey to make the move to Pontpridd a success. But that will be hampered by a continuing refusal by those employers to talk to us and address the very real issues faced by our members."

KeolisAmey is a joint venture between Spanish-owned construction giant Amey and a subsidiary of SNCF (the French state owned rail operator). It is branded as 'Transport for Wales Rail Services' and operates most train services in Wales.

TSSA is the only trade union representing managers and clerical workers at KeolisAmey (Transport for Wales Rail Services). TSSA also represents many staff at Transport for Wales.