Carlisle Support Services has announced a landmark national voluntary recognition agreement with the Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) Union, marking a first within the outsourced industry. The goal of this agreement is to improve industrial relations and employee well-being by creating a unified approach. This announcement coincides with the government’s recent decision to shift towards a nationalised railway system, which will be overseen by Great British Railways.
Carlisle, already having local and contract-specific union recognition agreements in place, aims to create a more structured approach with this new national agreement. This will address issues that affect all of the company’s employees working in the UK rail sector. Carlisle, which provides services to 14 of the UK’s Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and employs over 2,400 people in the rail industry, views this agreement as an extension of its commitment to ensuring that employees’ voices are heard and considered as the rail industry undergoes changes.
Since 2019, Carlisle has been recognized as a Living Wage Foundation Service Provider and remains committed to working closely with unions to advocate for its workforce. This aligns with the company’s broader mission to create fulfilling and rewarding job opportunities for all employees. Earlier this year, Carlisle also took a leading position in the industry by eliminating the use of subcontractors for core, non-specialist roles, further reinforcing its ethical labor practices.
The partnership with RMT and other unions is seen as a way to boost industry collaboration and improve opportunities for attracting and retaining talent within the sector.
Key aspects of the agreement include:
- A shared commitment to open national dialogue on issues affecting employees and the industry, helping to prevent disputes.
- Strengthening employee representation across rail contracts, giving workers a stronger voice in shaping their work environment.
- Alignment with Carlisle’s core values, supporting its mission to be a trusted provider of sustainable, people-based services within the rail industry.
- Continued local contract-specific agreements, with regular meetings between Carlisle and RMT senior representatives to discuss broader topics affecting 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.”