TSSA signs collective bargaining agreement for Operational Managers

Last week, Alan Valentine, Organiser with lead responsibilities for TransPennine Express (TPE) attended the inaugural meeting of the Operational Management Council along with your newly elected representatives.

Rob Cox, Operations Director, was also in attendance so that both he and Alan could officially sign the collective bargaining agreement.

Both parties were able to come to agreement on how the bargaining structures would work. This meant we avoided having an agreement imposed on us by the Central Arbitration Committee.

This is a clearly positive move. It means that the agreement should be more bespoke and fit the needs of our members within TPE within this bargaining unit.

The Agreement means that TPE will need to negotiate and consult on matters pertaining to TPE employees engaged in the roles of Driver Manager, Operational Development Manager and Driver Operations Manager, with the elected TSSA representatives.

Alan Valentine, TSSA Organiser explained “This is an exciting moment for those covered by this agreement. For the first time within TPE this group of Managers have an agreed elected representative structure that is backed by TSSA union and will receive its full support. These representatives are recognised by their employer for the purposes of negotiations and consultations. We look forward to working with TPE to make the working lives of our members better in the long term.”

Rob Cox Said, TPE Operations Director said, “I am pleased that this new joint agreement with TSSA will provide a framework for us to work collaboratively on areas of common interest. Developing the business together as professional managers, we can accomplish a great deal. I look forward to working in partnership with TSSA to improve TPE for the benefit of colleagues and our customers.”