The contractor Carlisle Support Services announces a national voluntary recognition agreement with the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) union. Carlisle, who have numerous contracts among train operators, is hailing the agreement as the first of its kind within the outsourced industry.
The firm notes that agreement comes at a time when the Labour government has confirmed its intention to move towards a nationalised railway under the control of Great British Railways, that had been stalled under the Liz Truss and Sunak administrations. Carlisle says it already has a number of local and contract-specific union recognition agreements, and this new national agreement will it says bring forward a more structured and considered approach to matters that will affect all Carlisle employees working within the UK rail sector.
Carlisle is a supplier to 14 of the UK’s Train Operating Companies (TOCs), employing over 2,400 people in the rail sector. The company has been a Recognised Service Provider under the Living Wage Foundation since 2019 and says it will continue to work with its recognised unions to protect and promote its workforce interests in the workplace.
As featured in the June edition of Professional Security Magazine, the company took a stand to remove the use of subcontractors to deliver core, non-specialist, roles in April. The agreement includes:
– A mutual commitment to open national dialogue and collaboration on key issues impacting employees and the wider industry for avoidance of disputes;
– Strengthening employee representation and engagement across its rail contracts; and
– Local contract specific recognition agreements will remain in place, with both Carlisle and RMT union senior representatives meeting on a periodic basis to discuss a wider approach to items that may cover all employees across the sector.
Paul Evans, Chief Executive Officer at Carlisle Support Services, said: “We are proud to formalise this agreement with the RMT Union. As the UK rail industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that we work together to ensure that our employees are supported and that any concerns are heard and addressed. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to our Railway family and will help us continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
Mick Lynch, RMT’s General Secretary, added: “Securing this national recognition agreement is a huge step forward for our members and we’re pleased to be able to work with Carlisle Support Services to ensure a fair, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment. Carlisle has said it aims to strengthen its employee support and continue to deliver exceptional levels of service to its established client base and the union will play its role in that process.”
Paul Evans also featured in the June edition of Professional Security Magazine, as part of a panel discussing pay and conditions in the guarding sector, during the NEC Security Event.
