Appeal for cultural change at troubled Serco sleeper service
A "change i n culture" over staff fatigue is needed at Caledonian Sleeper, according to experts drafted in to investigate the problem which has triggered a series of strikes.
The c o nc l us i o n i n t he i r r epor t s een by The S cotsman comes as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union ( RMT) prepare to stage a second 48- hour walkout which will force the cancellation of some services on Sunday and Monday nights.
Staff voted to take action after operator Serco refused to allow them to use spare cabins for rest breaks during shifts which can last more than 16 hours.
The report by fatigue specialist Dr Paul Jackson concluded t he f i rm complied with health and safety laws but its “approach to fatigue management could be improved".
It said staff breaks should be extended beyond one hour
on longer routes, rest areas improved and the working of multiple nights on end be reduced. The report stated: “Of the available options, a berth provides the best conditions for rest away from interruptions, as well as affording the best opportunity to obtain proper rest.”
Dr Jackson highlighted faultswiththenewsleeperfleet as a major cause of extra staff stress, especially when they had to find alternative cabins for arriving passengers at short notice.
Problems on a London- Fort William service observed by his team in August included with air conditioning, toilets and doors.
The report said: “It was clear that the extra workload arising from factors outside crews’ control causes unnecessary stress. A poor start to a long night duty.”
I t c o n c l u d e d : “Fat i g u e management initiatives have been developed, but have not always been adequately documented, or communicated to the workforce, leaving many crew with the impression that management don’t understand their situation.
“Positive initiatives are also undermined by one of t he main causes of crew stress and workload – the ongoing issues with train defects. A change in culture is required at Serco Caledonian Sleeper, focusing on alertness management rather than fatigue.”
The RMT d e s c r i b e d t h e report as “damning" and said it supported staff concerns.