The trade union RMT has today called on its members to take strike action at one of the newest freight operators in the UK. Members at Heavy Haul Rail (HHR) have been called to take 48-hour strike action on 25 June. The union says it has unresolved concerns over job security.
RMT says the company refused to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of a major restructuring programme. “Despite ongoing discussions and some mitigation measures being secured through negotiations, the employer continues to refuse to provide assurances that jobs will be protected,” said the RMT in a statement this morning.
Areas of disagreement
Responding to RailFreight.com, Heavy Haul Rail said the union has been in talks with the freight operator. “We can confirm the RMT has notified us that members in some central functions, including Train Control and Planning, have voted in favour of potential industrial action,” said a HHR spokesperson. “While we respect the result, we are disappointed, as we believed good progress was being made in discussions to mitigate compulsory redundancies.”
The dispute, according to union sources, centres on proposals affecting Control, Rosters, TOPS (Total Operations Processing System), Train Planning, Administration and Management grades. RMT say the company is seeking to restructure operations, merge roles, revise job descriptions, and relocate some roles – it says “relocation will be around 200 miles away (320 kilometres) for no operational or cost benefit”. This presumably means from existing bases or sign-on points for operational staff.
Still time to resolve
Since the divergence from intermodal operations, Heavy Haul Rail has supported infrastructure projects as well as Network Rail renewal and maintenance work. However, RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey claims that the company is not prepared to move on the issue of job security. “Despite extensive negotiations, Heavy Haul Rail is still refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies,” he said. “Our members cannot be expected to accept sweeping changes to their jobs, additional responsibilities and increased flexibility requirements while the threat of losing their livelihoods continues to hang over them.”
The union feels there is still time to resolve the dispute if HHR can provide firm guarantees on compulsory redundancies and engage with the union’s concerns. Heavy Haul Rail says it is still open to talks. “Our focus remains on constructive dialogue with the RMT to resolve this through the ongoing consultation process,” said a statement from Heavy Haul Rail. “We have contingency plans in place, and our priority is to minimise disruption while continuing to deliver a safe and reliable service for our customers.”
Heavy Haul Rail
Heavy Haul Rail was formed after the acquisition of the intermodal side of the Freightliner business by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM. HHR is a rebranding of Freightliner’s bulk cargo operation, formerly known as Freightliner Heavy Haul. It remains owned by infrastructure investors Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and GIC. The Birmingham registered company operates throughout Great Britain.