TfW Cancellations due to "Shortage of Train Crew" not "Resource Availability"

[Dai Corner]

Today's TfW cancellations are shown in Journeycheck as due to "shortage of train crew".

Nothing remarkable in that you might think, given that it's a Sunday in the school holidays and not so many will decide to work. Sundays are outside the standard working week.


The interesting thing is that for some time now the reason given has been 'resource availability'. I wonder whether this is a change in policy or whether somebody has selected the wrong item from a list when entering the data?

 

[Brush 4]

Surely 'Resource Availability' is just Pretentious for 'Shortage of Train Crew..... Also, the latter actually defines the problem precisely, the former doesn't so, is unhelpful as well as pretentious claptrap.

 

[ComUtoR]

Surely 'Resource Availability' is just Pretentious for 'Shortage of Train Crew..... Also, the latter actually defines the problem precisely, the former doesn't so, is unhelpful as well as pretentious claptrap.

Is a train also considered a "resource" ?

 

[Dai Corner]

Is a train also considered a "resource" ?

Not by TfW. They use things like 'due to more than the usual number of trains needing repairs' or 'due to a fault on this train'.

 

[Rescars]

IIRC many years ago, a very frustrated Gerry Fiennes went into the announcer's box at Liverpool Street and apologised for late arrivals being "due to bad management". The travelling public loved his honesty, even though others in the corporate hierarchy were less than comfortable with his plain speaking. Irrespective of the day of the week, if you set out your stall to provide a service, then you should be in a position to provide it. If you fail to plan for failure, you are planning to fail.

 

[ComUtoR]

'Shortage of Train Crew..... Also, the latter actually defines the problem precisely,

But it doesn't.

Does it reflect the days resource or the weeks ? Is it a long term problem or just the spare driver was unavailable ? Does it even mean a Driver or can it mean Guard/conductor/else ?

Not by TfW. They use things like 'due to more than the usual number of trains needing repairs' or 'due to a fault on this train'.

Thanks.

 

[sd0733]

Not by TfW. They use things like 'due to more than the usual number of trains needing repairs' or 'due to a fault on this train'.

It can be. Sometimes resource availability is also used for lack of units.

 

[Dai Corner]

It can be. Sometimes resource availability is also used for lack of units.

Thanks. I didn't realise that, but welcome TfW's apparent new-found transparency on the reasons they can't operate the advertised service

 

[Caaardiff]

Train crew are a resource. As are units.
This is just another union thing which just causes more confusion to passengers. Technically there is no "shortage of train crew", because TfW employ enough train crew (apparently). The fact that those train crew aren't taking the available overtime is the issue.
The unions just didn't want the train crew being blamed, which makes total sense. BUT, once again, the railway is thinking of itself and not the passenger.

Surprised this hasn't caught on with other TOCs yet.

 

[Dai Corner]

Train crew are a resource. As are units.
This is just another union thing which just causes more confusion to passengers. Technically there is no "shortage of train crew", because TfW employ enough train crew (apparently). The fact that those train crew aren't taking the available overtime is the issue.
The unions just didn't want the train crew being blamed, which makes total sense. BUT, once again, the railway is thinking of itself and not the passenger.

Surprised this hasn't caught on with other TOCs yet.

'Because too few train crew felt like working today', while true, probably wouldn't go down too well with ASLEF and RMT. Maybe TfW management have done it to see how the unions react?

 

[Andy Pacer]

For those who may not have seen it, there is an interesting list of delay reasons from Darwin often seen on departure boards.

Darwin:Late Running reason codes and text - Open Rail Data Wiki

 

[43066]

Technically there is no "shortage of train crew", because TfW employ enough train crew (apparently). The fact that those train crew aren't taking the available overtime is the issue.

So in other words TfW have chosen to operate their business by employing insufficient crew to operate the required service without relying on overtime.

How exactly is that a “union thing” when the unions want full employment and no reliance on overtime?

'Because too few train crew felt like working today',

That’s a loaded, disingenuous way of describing the situation which implies the failure of the TOC’s resourcing strategy is the fault of individual staff members. More accurate would be to say:

“We rely on our staff volunteering to come in on their days off to run the service we are committed to, and are screwed if not enough of them want to”.

 

[Dai Corner]

So in other words TfW have chosen to operate their business by employing insufficient crew to operate the required service without relying on overtime.

How exactly is that a “union thing” when the unions want full employment and no reliance on overtime?

I didn't intend to start this debate when I created the thread as it's been done to death before.

However, TfW is one of the TOCS which ISN'T in dispute with ASLEF or RMT so I presume the unions are happy with the situation.

 

[Jim Jehosofat]

There's an interesting twitter thread by one of my old bosses about driver resources about three quarters into this https://busandtrainuser.com/2022/08/13/transport-turmoil/

 

[Dai Corner]

That’s a loaded, disingenuous way of describing the situation which implies the failure of the TOC’s resourcing strategy is the fault of individual staff members. More accurate would be to say:

“We rely on our staff volunteering to come in on their days off to run the service we are committed to, and are screwed if not enough of them want to”.

.. and the staff representatives support this strategy.

 

[43066]

I didn't intend to start this debate when I created the thread as it's been done to death before.

However, TfW is one of the TOCS which ISN'T in dispute with ASLEF or RMT so I presume the unions are happy with the situation.

Fair enough. The company will be the ones asking them to sanction RDW, not the other way around.

.. and the staff representatives support this strategy.

So the unions/staff are in the wrong either way. If the TOCs don’t have enough drivers it’s the unions’ fault for sanctioning rest day working, even though the request to do so comes from the TOCs.

If RDW is withdrawn it’s classed as industrial action and (as we have seen elsewhere) the unions are blamed even where the staff choose not to do it for themselves, completely separate from the union.

 

[Snow1964]

“Shortage of train crew” is a simple factual statement, it makes no indication of why it came about.

Those who think the unions would be upset are clearly making assumptions (that are not part of the statement) as to the reason, and inventing a negative viewpoint.

 

[craigybagel]

I didn't intend to start this debate when I created the thread as it's been done to death before.

However, TfW is one of the TOCS which ISN'T in dispute with ASLEF or RMT so I presume the unions are happy with the situation.

.. and the staff representatives support this strategy.

Probably worth pointing out that negotiations around how to improve the availability of staff on a Sunday is currently taking place - including the possibility of bringing Sunday inside the working week.

TfW are also continuing the massive recruitment drive of the last few years to support this and the future expanded timetable.

So there's work going on on both sides to improve things.

 

[43066]

“Shortage of train crew” is a simple factual statement, it makes no indication of why it came about.

Those who think the unions would be upset are clearly making assumptions (that are not part of the statement) as to the reason, and inventing a negative viewpoint.

Indeed. I’ve never heard of the unions having an issue with that statement. It’s factual and doesn’t imply fault.

What’s extraordinary is how some people will bend over backwards to try and blame the unions for a failure of TOC resourcing strategy…

 

[Dai Corner]

Probably worth pointing out that negotiations around how to improve the availability of staff on a Sunday is currently taking place - including the possibility of bringing Sunday inside the working week.

TfW are also continuing the massive recruitment drive of the last few years to support this and the future expanded timetable.

So there's work going on on both sides to improve things.

Thanks for your, as always, knowledgable answer.

 

[Caaardiff]

So in other words TfW have chosen to operate their business by employing insufficient crew to operate the required service without relying on overtime.

Yes. As have most, if not all TOC's.

How exactly is that a “union thing” when the unions want full employment and no reliance on overtime?

Because the unions requested the change.

More accurate would be to say:

“We rely on our staff volunteering to come in on their days off to run the service we are committed to, and are screwed if not enough of them want to”.

Absolutely agree, but will never happen.


Would Train Crew threaten action if new train crew were brought in on 7 day working week contracts and less overtime is available?

- Ultimately train crew aren't taking overtime because TOC's don't have enough train crew to support a 7 day a week railway - Passenger suffers.
- New contracts brought in to alleviate the number of uncovered turns by having Sunday as part of the working week, train crew on old contracts kick off about the overtime being taken away from them, which they aren't taking anyway - passenger suffers when strikes are threatened.
- Train Crew on old contracts get wage increase based on earnings with overtime in order for Sundays to be part of the working week. Wage bill goes through the roof - passenger suffers through increased fares.

No-one really wins. There has to be an even balance and my personal view is new contracts with Sunday as part of the working week. Current train crew remain on current contracts, but there is still RDW available so overtime options are still there. It's time to fix the mess of weekend work. Whenever someone signs up to a job, overtime is never guaranteed or a contractual obligation.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

A bit like Avanti have just done.
What with this and strikes, rail travel is a bit iffy at the moment.

 

[ComUtoR]

Would Train Crew threaten action if new train crew were brought in on 7 day working week contracts and less overtime is available?

Why would they ? You threaten action if you are in dispute. Introduction of new contracts would need to be agreed but it's not exactly hard to do.

No-one really wins.

Everyone wins. The Passenger has train that run and a reliable service. The TOC wins through productivity improvements in new contracts and a heavily reduced overtime spend and Drivers win because life gets a little easier

Whenever someone signs up to a job, overtime is never guaranteed or a contractual obligation.

It's both. Committed overtime is used quite often. The whole Sunday debate is because there is a contractual obligation to work them as paid overtime.

 

[craigybagel]

Would Train Crew threaten action if new train crew were brought in on 7 day working week contracts and less overtime is available?

- Ultimately train crew aren't taking overtime because TOC's don't have enough train crew to support a 7 day a week railway - Passenger suffers.
- New contracts brought in to alleviate the number of uncovered turns by having Sunday as part of the working week, train crew on old contracts kick off about the overtime being taken away from them, which they aren't taking anyway - passenger suffers when strikes are threatened.
- Train Crew on old contracts get wage increase based on earnings with overtime in order for Sundays to be part of the working week. Wage bill goes through the roof - passenger suffers through increased fares.

No-one really wins. There has to be an even balance and my personal view is new contracts with Sunday as part of the working week. Current train crew remain on current contracts, but there is still RDW available so overtime options are still there. It's time to fix the mess of weekend work. Whenever someone signs up to a job, overtime is never guaranteed or a contractual obligation.

And again:

TfW are currently negotiating with the unions how to make extra staff available on a Sunday. No need for threats of imposing new contracts - just a civilised discussion between management and the democratically elected Union reps representing the traincrew.

Thanks for your, as always, knowledgable answer.

You're welcome.

Everyone wins. The Passenger has train that run and a reliable service. The TOC wins through productivity improvements in new contracts and a heavily reduced overtime spend and Drivers win because life gets a little easier

Exactly. I'd be very surprised if something doesn't get sorted.

It's both. Committed overtime is used quite often. The whole Sunday debate is because there is a contractual obligation to work them as paid overtime.

Probably worth also pointing out at this point that for the vast majority of traincrew at TfW, Sundays are already committed (although outside of the working week). However they're not obliged to work a rostered Sunday if it falls before or after a block week of annual leave, and given its August the maximum amount of staff possible are on annual leave at the moment. The deficit is normally made up by volunteers - but again, it's August and not so many volunteers want to miss out on family time or whatever else on their days off.

 

[Caaardiff]

TfW are currently negotiating with the unions how to make extra staff available on a Sunday. No need for threats of imposing new contracts - just a civilised discussion between management and the democratically elected Union reps representing the traincrew.

But also negotiating hefty pay rises if I'm reliable informed?

Probably worth also pointing out at this point that for the vast majority of traincrew at TfW, Sundays are already committed (although outside of the working week). However they're not obliged to work a rostered Sunday if it falls before or after a block week of annual leave, and given its August the maximum amount of staff possible are on annual leave at the moment. The deficit is normally made up by volunteers - but again, it's August and not so many volunteers want to miss out on family time or whatever else on their days off.

I get that about people wanting time off. But the issue needs to be sorted and ASAP. Because none of whats been discussed makes it better for the passenger which has endured an entire summer of absolutely rubbish weekend reliability.

 

[43066]

Yes. As have most, if not all TOC's.

So how is that the union’s fault?

Because the unions requested the change.

What change?

Would Train Crew threaten action if new train crew were brought in on 7 day working week contracts and less overtime is available?

I don’t think so? That’s exactly what already happens where I work.

- Ultimately train crew aren't taking overtime because TOC's don't have enough train crew to support a 7 day a week railway - Passenger suffers.
- New contracts brought in to alleviate the number of uncovered turns by having Sunday as part of the working week, train crew on old contracts kick off about the overtime being taken away from them, which they aren't taking anyway - passenger suffers when strikes are threatened.
- Train Crew on old contracts get wage increase based on earnings with overtime in order for Sundays to be part of the working week. Wage bill goes through the roof - passenger suffers through increased fares.

Traincrew aren’t taking overtime because shock horror they have lives outside work. Where I work there are traincrew on old (Sundays outside) contracts who have not “kicked off” at new people having Sundays inside because it was sensibly negotiated for and mutually agreed. Yes, if you want people to agree to vary the terms of their contracts (which the TOCs asked them to sign up to), it’s reasonable to expect that will come at a cost.

Again, you also seem keen to blame the train crew for these matters, rather than considering the bigger picture of why the current model of reliance on overtime has come into being.

No-one really wins. There has to be an even balance and my personal view is new contracts with Sunday as part of the working week. Current train crew remain on current contracts, but there is still RDW available so overtime options are still there. It's time to fix the mess of weekend work. Whenever someone signs up to a job, overtime is never guaranteed or a contractual obligation.

That is what will probably happen but there will continue to be a reliance on RDW to run the service because it’s cheaper. Sundays are a bit of a red herring when in reality RDW is needed to run the service seven days per week.

The last sentence is exactly why reliance on overtime means the service can be unreliable. It’s long been TOC strategy to operate that way.

But also negotiating hefty pay rises if I'm reliable informed?

So you would agree to a change your own contractual terms and agree to work on what are currently your days off for no payment?

I wonder how many people doing Monday to Friday 9-5s would be willing to start coming in at weekends for no extra payment…

I get that about people wanting time off. But the issue needs to be sorted and ASAP. Because none of whats been discussed makes it better for the passenger which has endured an entire summer of absolutely rubbish weekend reliability.

That’s describing a problem, not a solution.

 

[Caaardiff]

Again, you also seem keen to blame the train crew for these matters, rather than considering the bigger picture of why the current model of reliance on overtime has come into being.

No. I'm just highlighting how ridiculous the whole situation is and it's the passengers that suffer.
As great as unions can be, they can also be a block to modernisation and much needed efficiency. And I'm not talking job cuts or pay cuts there. I'm talking a sensible approach to make the railway an efficient and affordable mode of transport.

Are you saying it's acceptable for TfW and other TOCs to provide such a rubbish weekend service and if it takes decades to sort out then so be it?

 

[craigybagel]

But also negotiating hefty pay rises if I'm reliable informed?

The numbers I've heard aren't especially "hefty", especially in the context of the current cost of living crisis and that TfW driver salaries are amongst the lowest in the industry.

And in any case, we're talking about a large change to the contracts that both the employer and the employee signed up to. There needs to be a benefit on both sides.

I get that about people wanting time off. But the issue needs to be sorted and ASAP. Because none of whats been discussed makes it better for the passenger which has endured an entire summer of absolutely rubbish weekend reliability.

Absolutely it does. But what are you suggesting that can fix things more quickly? If you impose a new contract without agreements you're going to destroy the relatively good industrial relations that exist at TfW, and the current issues are nothing compared to the chaos that would cause.

 

[Caaardiff]

That’s describing a problem, not a solution.

Which is?

 

[43066]

As great as unions can be, they can also be a block to modernisation and much needed efficiency.

Ah so you’re completely ignoring everything said upthread about how the situation isn’t actually caused by the unions…

And I'm not talking job cuts or pay cuts there. I'm talking a sensible approach to make the railway an efficient and affordable mode of transport.

You appear to be talking about arbitrary changes in contractual terms for no payment.

I’ll ask you again, would you be willing to start working your days off and change your contractual terms for no payment? Have you ever done railway shifts?

Are you saying it's acceptable for TfW and other TOCs to provide such a rubbish weekend service and if it takes decades to sort out then so be it?

Well you’ll have to take it up with them - they’re the ones who have decided to rely on RDW and overtime.

Which is?

A sensibly negotiated agreement along the lines described upthread.