FGW have made an offer (already sent to Unity House) which we feel is not a basis for settlement of the current dispute. The offer does not include 104 rest days a year and also includes unacceptable productivity conditions. There is no doubt that our members would have wished to continue with the planed strike action if our membership within the grade was higher and recruitment materials are being sent to all of our driver members.

Following a consultation with RMT Drivers, the GGC are requested to conduct a referendum ballot amongst our members in the Driving grade with a recommendation to reject the offer from FGW and to remain in dispute with the Company. Negotiations should then be reopened to achieve the claim of 104 rest days a year for drivers.

The referendum ballot of RMT Drivers will start immediately with a recommendation to reject the offer. The ballot is likely to close on Thursday 20th October and this will be confirmed shortly via a Circular to Driver members. We have suspended the two days of action. Please let members know.

We will be balloting all RMT drivers including new members and any drivers who join during the balloting period can also ask for a referendum ballot paper.

It is imperative that the Company are reminded that any future negotiations affecting our members terms and conditions must fully include RMT at all stages of negotiations.

In conducting the referendum ballot It should also be noted that our membership in the driving grade has grown considerably in the course of this current dispute.