As a result of this, we were assured that TUPE is being applied in regard to the Plant contracts, and in regard to the Renewals contracts the companies for the first time have guaranteed that TUPE will apply to the six to four process, and that the companies will enter into full consultation with the RMT at the appropriate time. This is a major improvement on the previous position of each of the companies.

As a result of this, the General Grades Committee has suspended the strike ballot. Nonetheless, the situation will be carefully monitored and our members have been informed that should their jobs be threatened in any way we will not hesitate to ballot them for industrial action should it become necessary.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
GENERAL SECRETARY

See also:

Renewals and Plant Staff - Terms and Conditions/Job Security Following Contract Changes

RMT: April 19 2007

Dear Colleague

TERMS & CONDITIONS/JOB SECURITY FOLLOWING CONTRACT CHANGES - RENEWALS & PLANT STAFF (BR4/15/4)

In my circular to Branches dated 21st December 2006 under the heading "Network Rail Track Renewals Strategy", I advised members of Network Rail's announcement that they intend to reduce the number of renewals contractors from the current six to four. The crucial issue for this union would be the protection of our members' jobs and their terms & conditions.

Network Rail has informed us that they anticipate that TUPE will apply to this exercise and the union also believes that TUPE should apply. However, we are also looking for clear cut assurances from the contractors. We have written to these companies asking them to confirm that the following guarantees will apply in the event that they either lose or gain work as a result of this exercise:

* TUPE will apply.
* If for any reason TUPE does not apply, they will guarantee to take on staff from any company that loses their contract.
* That all terms & conditions will be retained.
* That all pension rights will be retained in full.
* That no staff will be made compulsorily redundant.

The company's responses have been considered by the General Grades Committee who have noted that they do not offer the guarantees that we are seeking. Consequently, we have advised the following companies that we are in dispute with them and that we shall be balloting our members for strike action.

*Amec Rail
*Amey Infrastructure Services
*Balfour Beatty Rail Infrastructure Services
*Balfour Beatty Rail Plant
*Carillion Rail
*First Engineering
*GrantRail/GrantPlant
*Jarvis Rail

Ballot papers will commence being despatched on Wednesday 25th April and the ballot will close on Wednesday 9th May. Any member who considers they are entitled to vote should contact Head Office if they have not received a ballot paper by Wednesday 2nd May.

In the meantime I have invited all the above companies to a meeting with this union on Monday 23rd April in an effort to resolve the dispute. I shall, of course, continue to keep you advised of all developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary