We met Network Rail on 22nd July in an effort to reach a deal that could lead to the suspension of the previous strike action. After four hours of intense discussions, it was felt that progress had been made on a number of issues, particularly on pay protection. This would have meant that those currently on more than the proposed new pay structure would have their wages protected and then enjoy rises in line with annual pay awards.

However, around two hours after the meeting broke up the agreement which was reached was vetoed by Network Rail headquarters. This was an absolutely outrageous state of affairs as we had received previous assurances that the management representatives attending the negotiations would have the authority to take the final decisions. I therefore wrote to Network Rail Chief Executive Iain Coucher asking for a meeting in order to establish just who from management is in charge of the harmonisation process. I am still awaiting a response to this request.

It is clear that there are individuals at Network Rail who have an alternative agenda from those we have been talking to over the table. This agenda is driven by the desire to make budget cuts, which in turn means a threat to safety standards and job cuts. Such cuts, which are also being made as a result of the cut in the budget from the Rail Regulator are also being used to protect management bonuses, because budget cuts will mean huge bonuses. This is a totally unacceptable state of affairs and makes a mockery of the negotiations that we entered into in good faith.

The General Grades Committee felt they had no option but to put on further industrial action and members have been instructed

• Not to book on for duties for shifts which commence between 00.01 hours on Friday 15th August 2008 and 23.59 hours on Monday 18th August 2008.

• Not to book on for any overtime shifts that commence between 00.01 hours on Friday 15th August 2008 and 23.59 hours on Monday 18th August 2008

As always, we remain available for talks in order to avoid industrial action. In fact, up until midday on the day before the last weekend of strike action your union's national officers sought talks to stop the action. However, despite the company's public protestations, they offered nothing. Additionally, as I write, the company has not scheduled any further talks at all on harmonisation.

It was quite clear that a timetable to achieve a meaningful harmonisation package was agreed. Network Rail committed that they would at least be able to demonstrate significant progress by 31st July 2008.This is another agreement which they broke. Not only that but, as I state above, when progress is being made in negotiations it is being overturned by Network Rail headquarters. What is the point of having meetings with Network Rail managers who cannot take decisions?

The harmonisation process is being treated with contempt by Network Rail management. That is why the talks need the direct intervention of Iain Coucher and for him to get a grip of the situation.

I am sure the industrial action will be fully supported by members called upon to take action and that Branches, Regional Councils and members generally will show support and assistance where ever possible.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

See also

Below is the text of a letter sent on July 24 to Network Rail Chief Executive Iain Coucher

Dear Mr Coucher

HARMONISATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE TERMS & CONDITIONS – NETWORK RAIL

As you will be well aware, my union has been in discussions with your company through a joint working party on harmonisation of infrastructure employees’ terms and conditions for over two years now.

These discussions entered a new phase recently and a deadline on coming up with a set of proposals which would have been acceptable to both parties was set for July 31st. These discussions, which have included your company’s Maintenance Director Steve Featherstone, have seen a lot of work being done by both parties. However, there has been a major concern that not enough issues have been ticked off and that, by 31st July, they just would not have been resolved as items were “subject to further negotiation.”

My negotiating team reported these matters to our representatives who expressed concerns that yet another delay to the timetable was about to occur even though the timetable was set exactly in order to avoid this. It was for this reason – i.e. no progress being made and no progress expected by 31st July – that my union reluctantly called further industrial action.

However, I can state quite clearly that my union remains committed to the harmonisation process and to further negotiations and that is why my representatives entered into further negotiations on 22nd July 2008. After four hours of exhaustive talks with your team, my representatives came away believing that a clear agreement had been reached on a number of areas which could have allowed my union to suspend this weekend’s industrial action and moved us toward a final and satisfactory outcome on harmonisation.

I was utterly dismayed and angered however that, two hours after leaving the meeting, I found out that what had been agreed was vetoed by your Maintenance Director’s superiors. It begs the question as to why your company agreed to further talks in the first place and why you would appoint people to carry out the negotiations if they cannot take the decisions. My union had received an assurance from your Human Resources Director and Maintenance Director earlier this year that whoever was involved in negotiations with my union on harmonisation would have the authority to take the decisions.

I urge you to intervene directly in this dispute and urge you to do this immediately. If what we agreed with your Maintenance Director on Tuesday afternoon was endorsed by your company, then this could result in my union calling off this weekend’s industrial action.

As a further point, my union needs an absolute undertaking that, in future, you are prepared to support your management team who are present in the negotiation room with my union as I am sure they are as disappointed as I am at the lack of support they have been given by your company until now.

I look forward to hearing from you on what concrete steps you are taking on resolving this dispute as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary