Unity House, 39 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JD

THE NATIONAL UNION OF RAIL, MARITIME & TRANSPORT WORKERS

Unity House, 39 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JD Tel: 020 7387 4771 Fax: 020 7387 4123 Helpline: 0800 376 3706 www.rmt.org.uk Email: [email protected]

AGENDA

OF THE

EIGHTY SECOND NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SIGNALLING AND OPERATIONS GRADES

To be held on

21st & 22nd February 2015

Imperial Hotel

Llandudno

Secretary:

Mr Alan Aitkenhead 37 Cookes Croft Birmingham B31 3XR

Tel: 07912291517 E-mail: [email protected]

1 82 nd NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SIGNALLING & OPERATIONS GRADES

The 82nd National Conference of Signalling & Operations Grades is to be at the Imperial Hotel on the 21st & 22nd February 2015, at Llandundo.

Conference will commence at 14.00hrs prompt on Saturday 21st and conclude at no later than 18.00hrs on that day. Conference will then resume at 10.00hrs prompt on the following day.

In Attendance:

General Secretary Brother Mick Cash

Officers

President Brother Phil Boorman (Ashford)

Vice President Brother Lee Acocks (South West Midlands)

Secretary Brother Alan Aitkenhead (Stratford-Upon-Avon)

Executive Committee

Scottish Region Brother John McDougall (Perth No1 Branch) London Midland Region Brother Peter Thomas (Crewe Branch) Eastern/Anglia Region Brother Nathan Gill (Wakefield and Healey Mills Branch) Southern Region Brother David Filby (Three Bridges Branch) Western Region VACANT London Underground VACANT

The reception committee will available on Friday from 1200hrs to 1600hrs, at the Imperial Hotel and on Saturday from 1000hrs to 1200hrs

As agreed at our 1985 conference a voluntary contribution will be asked for from each delegate in respect of the presentation fund to be paid upon collection of the tickets by delegates. Please assist our colleagues in Llandundo and be in your places by 14.00hrs prompt on Saturday.

Regards,

Alan Aitkenhead Conference Secretary

2 AGENDA

Saturday

1. Opening of Conference

2. Civic welcome by the Mayor of Llandundo

3. Conference President

4. Election of Tellers

5. Election of Harassment Officer

6. Election of Scrutineers

7. Minutes of Conference 2014 to be confirmed

8. Balance Sheet and Auditor’s report

9. Honorariums

10. Conference Executive Committee report

11. Conference Secretary’s report

12. Address by the General Secretary

13. Address by Lead Office John Tilley

14. Address by General Grades Committee Member

3 Sunday

15. Address by National President

16. Address by National Lay Council Representative Scotland, England & Wales

17. Address by National Lay Health & Safety Representative

18. Address by Emily King

19. Resolutions

20. Election of Officers

21. Resolutions to be submitted to the 2015 AGM

22. Venue for Conference 2016

23. Closing of Conference

Election of Officers 2015

4 Officer Nominee Branch Nominated by

President No Nomination Vice President No Nomination Secretary No Nomination

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Scottish Region John McDougall Perth No 1 Perth No 1 London/Midland Pete Thomas Crewe No1 Crewe North Staffs Eastern/Anglia Nathan Gill Wakefield & Healy Wakefield & Healy Mills Mills Western Region No Nomination Southern Region David Filby Three Bridges Three Bridges L.U.L

Auditor No Nomination Auditor No Nomination

CONFERENCE

2016 No Nomination

Resolutions

Annual Leave Matrix

1. Submitted by Three Bridges Branches. 5 “ This conference calls upon the Council of Executive to negotiate with Network Rail to bring the signalling grades in line with other grades in terms of replacing/scrapping the unfair annual leave matrix that leaves our grade feeling like second class employees of Network Rail. This has been a long running aspiration of this conference and it is now more than time to bring this matter to a fair conclusion.

With the new Regional Operating Centres now going ahead we have many grades all working in one place and all bar the signalling grade are in receipt of either 28 days annual leave for under 10 years service or 30 days for over 10 years service., we believe it is now more than time to bring this anomaly to an end.”

Signalling Recruitment Selection

2. Submitted by Wakefield & Healey Mills Branch.

“ We call upon the C of E to raise this issue with Network Rail as a matter of urgency, outlining our concerns that this new Signaller Recruitment Selection Policy is unfair for existing members of the signalling grades.

It is perverse that at a stroke your natural career progression has been culled because of a test, that Network Rail will not give you your score or feedback from, so which you can never improve upon and your existing experience is effectively made worthless.

As such we demand that this union pursues an agreement with Network Rail to make provision within the selection process for a measure of seniority to be introduced to the selection process, as recognition of a candidate’s experience. We believe that as jobs are relocated to Rail Operations Centers this measure along with PTR&R will give security to existing members of staff. We also feel that such a move will enhance the safety of our members who work on the trains and on the track as inexperienced new starters will not be placed in high graded, busy signalling locations on the results of one test alone”.

3. Submitted by Holyhead Branch

Holyhead1 branch, requests that the following resolution is put to the 2014 signaller’s grade conference.

That the RMT pursues a campaign that Network Rail withdraws the companies “Recruitment & Selection Policy”. The policy being not fit for purpose and takes no account of signalling experience or career records. It uses abstract and non-railway related methods of testing and interviews. With the emphasis on non-technical skills unrelated to signalling.

This policy is being used to prevent signallers from gaining promotion and allows NR to influence redundancy situations. We call on this conference to continue to support the agreed PTR&R as it applies to signallers and where it is not applicable to see that NR has a fair and suitable policy in place that is applied throughout the country.

6 4. Submitted by Hull Branch

The Hull Rail branch signallers have serious concerns regarding the new selection test policy.

The new testing procedure was introduced in December 2013 for all signalling applications within the signalling grades replacing the previous policy. You are now required to submit an online application complete with cv before you complete a situational judgment test. Once you’ve passed the SJT then you are required to attend an assessment centre and complete psychometric tests. If there is only one post advertised the top seven score results are then selected for an interview with the relevant line manager.

A recent situation occurred when a non signallers reached the top 7 for a grade 9 signaller post in York IECC pushing out several experienced grade 6 signallers. Another case highlighted when a temporary grade 8 signallers post in Doncaster PSB which was filled by a more than capable candidate before the new policy was introduced. The individual to quote his line manager 'has done a excellent job with the help of his colleagues & shift managers and is a well established member of his team". The temporary signaller was eliminated from the interview stage during the permanent application process because he failed to make the top seven to reach the interview stage.

We are not advocating that these jobs are exclusive to one set of applicants but we are certainly questioning the safety side of allowing this type of applicant above experienced time served signallers. As we can clearly see these tests are not working and filtering out experienced staff thats had no training in this field of knowledge but are time served signallers its our understanding that new entrants are being coached in interview techniques during signalling courses giving them a further advantage over experienced signallers. The Hull Rail branch signallers submit this resolution to formally request the removal of this new criteria and revert back to the more fairer system which did not disadvantage existing signallers

5. Submitted by North Staffs Branch

This conference believes it is wrong to have existing Signallers ruled out of applying for alternative Signalling positions by being sifted out through the current on-line & scenario based assessments leaving the door open for external recruitment.

We find it unacceptable that our members who are qualified & trained Signallers are having there ambitions stifled by being denied the opportunity of promotion into the ROCs.

This conference believes NWR should quickly engage with the RMT to discuss a fairer selection criteria (for example being able demonstrate an aptitude for VDU based Signalling which is already contained within the Promotion Transfer Redundancy and resettlement arrangements) to enable existing Signallers to reach the interview stage.

7 Role of the Signaller

6. Submitted by Hull Rail Branch

The Hull Rail Branch signallers submit this resolution to urge the General Grades Committee to fight to keep the role of the Signaller. Network Rail have confirmed a new interim role has been agreed for Signaller tm with the trade unions for first deployment only. When phase two (pod working) is introduced Network Rail are suggesting through the various working groups this will be a new role.

The custodian of railway safety from signalling trains to ensuring workforce safety on the operational railway has always been the role of the signaller. T3 possessions line blockages points failures OHL tripling isolations and many other degraded working situations are all examples of safety critical work carried out by signallers on a daily basis. The Hull Rail Branch signallers believe this role should only be carried out by signallers and not other graded staff such as controllers Its acknowledged that controllers do a very good job in dealing with the customers needs but attempting to combine these two roles into pod working will have serious consequences when things go wrong. We urge the General Grades Committee to endorse this very point to Network Rail and we wont accept any other grade other than signaller carrying out this role.

National Working Groups

7. Submitted by Three Bridges Branch

This Conference requests that a Guidance Document be drawn up by the Union and be issued to all National Working Group Representatives. This Guidance Document will clearly lay out what is expected of the working groups by the Union.

This Guidance should include but not exclusive to the following:

 Working Groups provide the Union and Area Councils with regular reports on any proposed changes in their spheres of influence i.e. PTR&R.  That they have regular communications with all local representatives on all matters  That they undertake location visits on a regular basis to meet and listen to members concerns.  Working groups must not negotiate with Network Rail to make any changes and these members should represent all members within the signalling group of grades furthermore these group members should be elected by the branches  That Working Groups do not make any recommendations to the GGC without consent of the Area Council Representatives, Branches and most important the membership of this Union

Three Bridges Branch believes this Guidance Document will reinforce the boundaries that working groups should adhere too and have a clear guideline of what is expected of them.

8 8. Submitted by North Staffs Branch.

This conference calls for a defined structure to be put in place that enables all members to understand any outputs from all working parties that lead to any changes to Signallers working practices and terms and conditions.

It is understood that upon completion of the working group the nominated rep will report its content to the GGC for approval. This conference asks that a period of consultation be afforded to the wider membership prior to any approval or agreement with NWR. This would be done quickly & efficiently by Unity House sending all Area Council reps the relevant documentation for further dispersal.

By adding this 2-3 week delay this union would be fully engaging the members by asking them to sense check future changes that will affect there job role.

9. Submitted by Hull Rail Branch

The Hull Rail Branch signallers submit a further resolution regarding the non- compliance of the existing PTR&R Agreement.

As Network Rail push on with its 15-30 year operating strategy intending to house all signalling operations into 12 rail operating centers (rocs) throughout the United Kingdom it’s pretty clear Network Rail are not adhering to our long standing PTR&R Agreements. There has been various issues nationally where management are disregarding this long standing agreement and in some case we have actually gone to dispute resolution status to resolve these issues.

The Hull Rail branch signallers want the GGC to seek urgent talks with Network Rail management and make it clear this union signed up to a national operating strategy whereby our terms and conditions would be honored as they transform the network.

We the signallers will not accept local tweaking to PTR&R and have serious concerns over council of executives agreeing changes without consultation with the membership.

A recent document endorsed by RMT C.O.E and signed off for circulation by the General Secretary was an appalling lack of judgment without first being proof read. This agreement (now rescinded) very nearly cost the signalling grades something they were prepared to go on strike over in 2010

We strongly urge the GGC to seek urgent talks with NWR and seek assurances each route will be instructed to follow the national operating strategy by the chief executive of Network Rail otherwise we will ballot the membership on industrial action that has previously given a yes mandate before the roc strategy was consulted to the RMT.

9 10.Submitted by Broadlands Branch

This conference recommends that we take further steps to ensure that the agreed conditions of service enshrined within the PTR&R and applicable to members covered by this conference are applied in a uniform manner across all regions and areas.

Also in order to assist the second stage reps in the application of the same we ask that a national lay representative be present at the second stage meeting when issues of job allocation are raise.

CONSTITUTION

1. NAME

Conference shall be known as the National Conference of Signalling and Operations Grades.

2. OBJECTS

The objects of the National Conference of Signalling and Operations Grades shall be to endeavor to secure complete and efficient organisation within the grades of Signaller, Relief Signaller, MOM, 10 Relief MOM, SSM, Relief SSM and Crossing Keeper. And to assist in maintaining and improving the working conditions affecting the grades covered by this conference.

To act in an advisory capacity to the Head Office of the union, and constitutional bodies connected with the union.

3. MEETINGS

The conference shall be held annually, and shall be moveable, the venue to be decided by conference. The conference shall meet on the fourth Sunday in February each year, and the Saturday preceding such. The Saturday session shall commence at 14.00 hrs and shall conclude no later than 18.00hrs.The business of such session shall include civic and fraternal welcomes. The Conference Executive Committee report, Secretary’s report, Balance Sheet and Auditors report, minutes of previous conference and any other appropriate business that conference may deem essential. All matters for the Agenda, nominations for officers and Executive Committee shall reach the secretary by 30th November each year and the Agenda shall be issued SIX weeks prior to conference. Nominations must be supported by the nominee’s own branch. Conference activities shall be confined to matters germane to the Signalling and Crossing Keeper Grades RT1-10 (includes MOM and SSM grades) and conform to National Policy as laid down by decision of the Annual General Meeting or the Council of Executives. The General Secretary shall occasionally be invited to attend conference.

4. REPRESENTATION

Each Branch & Regional Council Shall be entitled to send representatives to each Grades Conference covering the grades which the branch or Regional Council has in membership. Each Grades conference shall fix the venue and date of its meetings.

5. AFFILIATION

The affiliation fees shall be £2.00 inclusive of delegate’s fee per Branch and Regional Council per annum which are paid by head office.

6. OFFICERS

Conference shall elect a President, Vice President, Secretary, two Auditors and an Executive Committee of six members. The electoral area for Executive Committee shall be based of AGM representation areas as follows:

Executive Committee Area Elected from AGM area

1. Scotland 1, 2, 3 2. Eastern 6, 7,9,10,11,22,23 3. North West /North Wales /Midlands 4, 5,8,12,13,14,20 4. Western 16, 17, 21 5. Southern 18,19,24,25 6. London Underground 26

All officers and Executive Committee members must be duly elected delegates from affiliated branches and regional councils, and shall hold office for 12 months providing they remain in the grades covered by the conference and be eligible for re-election. The Executive Committee shall nominate one of its members to act as minute taker for each conference, who shall receive an emolument for his/her services. The election of the Officers and Executive Committee members shall be the first business to be dealt with at the Sunday afternoon session. Voting for the Officers and Executive Committee shall be by ballot, and where there are more than two nominations for the post of either secretary of president, the principle of exhaustive vote to be applied. In the event of a 11 tied vote the ballot shall be re-run. In the event of a further tied vote, the decision shall be by the spin of a coin. Scrutineers shall be elected from the reception committee. Elected officers to receive such remuneration as determined by the conference. A liaison committee of not more than six members shall be formed and this shall comprise of the President, Secretary and four member of the executive.

7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The executive committee shall meet whenever deemed necessary by the president and secretary after consultation. The expenses of the officers and executive committee shall be met from the funds of the conference, such expenses shall only include privilege ticket railway fares, lost time, and out of pocket expenses, at a rate agreed by the conference.

No payment to be made for lost time that is not considered as part of the working week.

8. BANKING

Conference shall open an account with the union’s bankers in the name of the RMT National Conference of Signalling Grades which shall be operated by: Conference President and Secretary.

The secretary, shall within five days of receipt of funds, pay these in to the conference account and shall not retain in his hands more than £10 for current expenditure .A true and accurate account of receipts and expenditure for the twelve months ended pervious 31st December, shall, by a date to be determined, be rendered to every affiliated branch and regional council and to the General Secretary.

9. PREPARATION OF CONFERENCE AGENDA

The executive committee shall meet the second week of December and on the day prior to conference to arrange the order of agenda, which shall include any item of conference policy which has not been progressed and other matters for the guidance of the President.

10. AMENDMENT OF RULES

The forgoing rules shall not be amended of rescinded without the consent of the majority of the representatives voting at a National conference of Signalling and Operations Grades. All proposed alterations to rules to be sent to the secretary by 30th November each year. Amendments may be submitted every three years.

STANDING ORDERS

1. The President shall take the chair and formally open the business of the meeting. Should he be absent, the Vice President shall conduct the business. In the event of both being absent, then the executive committee shall elect a chairperson (pro tem) from amongst themselves.

2. Each delegate shall rise and address the chair, and be limited to five minutes on each subject. A delegate shall not speak except in reference to a resolution or amendment or speak twice on one subject unless he or she is the mover of the original resolution and shall

12 have the right of reply. The President and Secretary are excepted in this order. Asking or answering a question by permission of the chair shall not be deemed a speech.

3. In the event of a proposition to “proceed to next business” being moved and seconded, it shall, after the proposer and seconder of an original proposition have been heard , be put to the vote, and, if agreed to, all other propositions on the subject under discussion shall be considered as disposed of. Once a subject has been discussed and voted on, it shall not again be introduced in to the meeting.

4. No proposal or amendment shall be discussed unless it is seconded and no second amendment or rider shall be voted on until the first amendment is disposed of. Motions standing in the name of an affiliated branch shall be deemed to have been moved in the absence of the delegate, and motions in the name of the Executive Committee shall be deemed to stand moved.

5. The ruling of the chair in all matters shall be strictly obeyed .No delegate shall leave the meeting unless he first asks and obtains the permission of the chair. The secretary shall be secretary to all committees appointed by the conference.

6. The chair shall have the right to exercise his right to vote as a delegate, and in addition, he shall have the right to a casting vote.

7. An agenda of the business shall be supplied to each delegate; this agenda shall be strictly adhered to unless a proposition to suspend standing orders be made, and carried by a majority of two – thirds of the delegates present and voting.

8. All notices of amendment to resolutions contained in the agenda must be submitted through the branch secretary to the secretary of conference at least one week prior to the date of conference. No resolution which could have been placed on the agenda by branches in accordance with the constitution shall be admissible.

9. After the executive committee has given its report and decisions on the agenda, delegates may give notice to the President against any such decision, and if and appeal is carried by two – thirds of the delegates present, the item in question must be included on the agenda.

10. These standing orders shall not be amended or rescinded without the consent of the majority of the representatives present and voting at the National Conference. All proposed alterations to be sent to the conference secretary by 30th November every three years. Amendments may be submitted every three years.

DELEGATE’S CREDENTIAL AND BALLOT

BRANCH/REGIONAL Delegate …………………………………………. COUNCIL STAMP

Representing the………………………………… Branch

If more than one delegate, please show extra names below

……………………………………………………………. 13 ……………………………………………………………..

This slip is to be exchanged for voting papers on entering The Imperial Hotel on SUNDAY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… DELEGATE’S CREDENTIAL

BLOCK LETTERS

Bro/Sis………………………………………………………

Address......

……………………………………………………………….

Representing the above Branch at the National Conference of Signalling & Operation Grades, Llandundo, 2015.

If representing more than one Branch, please state hereunder other Branches represented.

…………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………….. This credential must be produced for examination by the doorkeeper when entering the hall on Saturday and, for record purposes, given up on entry to the hall.

PLEASE ASSIST BY ARRIVING EARLY