Staffing commitments for next Wales & Borders franchise
A second member of staff will be present on all trains operated by the next Wales & Borders franchisee, according to First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.
On September 29, he confirmed that a second guard or conductor will be on all W&B trains (including metro services), and that the core Valley Lines will be transferred from Network Rail to Transport for Wales (TfW) subject to agreement being reached between the two parties. All other National Rail infrastructure in Wales will remain with Network Rail.
Pensions of NR staff transferred to TfW will be protected, and Jones said there would be no changes to terms and conditions without the agreement of trades unions.
Job security of catering and cleaning staff is also a concern of the First Minister, and TfW will enter into dialogue with the unions into how those needs can be met. Further discussions will take place about union aspirations for ticket office and station staff.
In a wide-ranging package of commitments, Jones also confirmed that there will be a ‘no compulsory redundancy guarantee’ throughout the franchise and in respect of direct sub-contractors; that there will be continued trade union recognition and that the Welsh Government will work to ensure this applies throughout the sub-contractor supply chain; and that there will be trade union representation on the TfW board.
Jones also said that the Welsh Government’s preference is for track and train operation to be part of “a national integrated railway under public ownership with responsibility and powers for passenger services and infrastructure to be sustainably and comprehensively devolved to the Welsh Government”.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “We want to hold up the Welsh rail network as an example of where a government can work in effective social partnership with trade unions to deliver a worldclass railway for commuters, our economy and our communities.”
The RMT welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement. General Secretary Mick Cash said: “The First Minister’s welcome commitment to keep a guard on every train is a breakthrough for our campaign against driver only trains and for our campaign for a safe, secure and accessible railway - not only in Wales but nationwide.”