Decision Details

Proposer: Councillor T. Young

F.. This Council notes that;

• There is a dispute between RMT and Greater Anglia Trains

• Greater Anglia trains are owned by Abellio, who is jointly owned by the Dutch State Railway and the Japanese firm Mitsui

• The dispute centres around union concerns that Greater Anglia is extending Driver Only Operation on the franchise as a result of introducing new trains

• That RMT conductors have voted by 9-1 on a 90% turnout to take strike action and RMT drivers have also voted to take action. 

• The RMT is concerned that Greater Anglia is removing the guarantee that there will continue to be a conductor on the services in question ‎and also removing the Conductor’s role in ensuring the safe despatch of trains.

• That Abellio, when introducing new trains on their franchise in Scotland, were able to reach an agreement with RMT on ‎this issue which resulted in retaining the guarantee of the conductor on the services in question and also the conductor’s role in ensuring the safe despatch of trains.

This Council believes; 

• That if Abellio in Scotland can reach an agreement in Scotland with the RMT on safe train despatch and keeping the guarantee of the conductors on new trains then Abellio can reach the same agreement with RMT in Greater Anglia 

• That such an agreement would assist in protection of service, safety, security and accessibility for Greater Anglia passengers, including those residents of the borough that regularly use Greater Anglia services.

This Council calls on;

• Greater Anglia to reach such an agreement as soon as possible 

• The Government to allow and not block such an agreement. 

As the Motion relates to a non-executive matter it will be debated and determined at the meeting.