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Carlisle Support Services has announced a national voluntary recognition agreement with Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) Union. It is the first of its kind within the outsourced industry, to foster a joined-up vision of improving industrial relations and employee wellbeing.
This agreement also comes at a time when the new government has confirmed its intention to move towards a nationalised Railway under the control of Great British Railways. With Carlisle already enjoying a number of local and contract specific union recognition agreements, this new national agreement will bring forward a more structured and considered approach to matters that will affect all Carlisle employees working within the UK rail sector.
As an established people services supplier to 14 of the UK’s Train Operating Companies (TOCs), employing over 2,400 people in the rail sector, Carlisle sees this agreement as a continuation of its proactive approach in ensuring employees’ voices are heard and remain key as the company navigates the evolving landscape of the rail industry.
The company has been a Recognised Service Provider under the Living Wage Foundation since 2019 and will continue to work proactively with its recognised unions to protect and promote its workforce interests in the workplace. Aligned to this remains its purpose to create rewarding and fulfilling job opportunities for all its employees.
With clear ethical labour practices, the company also took an industry leading position to remove the use of subcontractors to deliver core, non-specialist, roles in April this year. Carlisle hopes that its partnership with RMT and other recognised unions will enhance industry collaboration and create better opportunities to attract and retain talent within the sector.
Key highlights of the announced agreement include:
- A mutual commitment to open national dialogue and collaboration on key issues impacting employees and the wider industry to facilitate the avoidance of disputes.
- Strengthening employee representation and engagement across its rail contracts, ensuring that employees have a strong voice in shaping their working environment.
- Alignment with core values, reinforcing Carlisle Support Services’ mission to be the preferred experts and most trusted provider of sustainable people-based services within the rail sector.
- 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 comprehensive approach to items that may cover all employees across the sector.
Paul Evans, Chief Executive Officer at Carlisle Support Services, commented: “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.”
The collaboration with the RMT Union reflects Carlisle Support Services’ ongoing effort to ensure a fair, equitable, and inclusive work environment. By working closely with the Union, Carlisle aims to strengthen its employee support and continue to deliver exceptional levels of service to its established client base.
