From time to time even in the best regulated companies industrial disputes can arise. Because these are rare events, when they do occur they can be a massive distraction from the major tasks of running a railway. Sometimes, therefore, companies can benefit from additional support from sources that, whilst having excellent industry experience of employee relations, are also sufficiently removed from the particular dispute to provide unemotional, objective advice, often providing insights that can help bring about a resolution.
First Class Partnerships has provided professionally qualified advisors in employee relations to train operating companies faced with disputes. In one particularly intractable situation with industrial action already under way we provided a programme and project manager to advise on how to bring the dispute to a successful conclusion whilst achieving the company's business objectives.
A full consideration of employee relations strategy is also a fundamental aspect of franchise bids and mobilisation, especially where the company in question may be considering the more efficient deployment of staff, for example train crew deployment and productivity. FCP has provided professional employee relations experts to support the development of business plans in this crucial respect.
