OLYMPIC RECOGNITION AND REWARD – FIRST GREAT WESTERN

I write to inform you that First Great Western has totally refused to discuss or agree at Company Council level, the working arrangements for our members during the Olympic and Paralympic periods. Therefore, the matter has been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and the following decision has been taken:

“That we note the report on file from our Regional Organiser on this matter and that further discussions have taken place with the company in order to negotiate an Olympic Reward package for our members employed at First Great Western.

It is disappointing to note that not only have First Great Western declined to agree terms that would satisfy our members aspirations, but they have totally refused to discuss the matter through the proper machinery of company council and decided on divisive tactics of referring the matter into the separate grade Divisional Councils. The Regional Organiser reports that the company have tabled a proposal at Divisional Councils but they fall far short of our aspirations.

It is noted that our Representatives have recorded a failure to agree at both Company Council and Divisional Council on this matter.

There is a great expectation from our members that their extra commitment and work over the Olympic Games period should be rewarded sufficiently in line with other Olympic Reward payments that have been negotiated elsewhere. The stance of First Great Western on this matter shows nothing but contempt and disrespect of our members and that they take for granted that our members would undertake the extra work and responsibility in transferring the extra passengers that will be travelling on the First Great Western network over this period.

Taking all these factors into consideration, we instruct the General Secretary to inform First Great Western that we are now in dispute with them on this matter.

The General Secretary is to immediately ballot all our First Great Western members for strike action and action short of strike with a strong recommendation to vote YES on both questions.

Further, the General Secretary is instructed to write a persona letter to all our First Great Western members informing them of our decision and to include examples of other agreements negotiated for our members at other companies concerning Olympic Rewards. A membership form is to be included within this letter to assist with recruitment.

The General Secretary is to inform Great Western that we remain available for further discussions in order to resolve this dispute. Regional Councils and Branches to be advised.”

In accordance with the above, I am now acting on the instructions of the GGC decision and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

Best wishes.

Bob Crow