29.11.17
Union threatens six days of strike on Virgin West Coast services
Following a vote earlier this month, members of the RMT union working on Virgin West Coast services have announced six days of strike action in December and January.
The dispute revolves around disparities between support staff and drivers, after a deal between Virgin and both sets of staff left drivers with a £500 bonus – based on additional productivity.
Members of the union have been told not to book shifts on 15 and 22 December this year or 5, 8, 26 and 29 January in the new year.
RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said the union were striking for “workplace equality and workplace justice.”
“All our members are demanding is a suitable and equal offer to that given to drivers to buy out their claim for a reduction in the base working week,” he explained.
“We will not accept our members being dealt with less favourably than others.”
In response, Phil Whittingham, managing director for Virgin Trains on the west coast, said: “The RMT leadership is attempting to cause disruption when many will want to travel by train to spend time with loved ones.
“We have explored a generous 3.6% pay increase, however the trade union’s leadership is insisting on 4%, double the two percent average increase seen across the UK this year.
“We know how important it is for friends and families to get together over the festive season, so we will keep the majority of our trains running with fully-trained staff onboard and at stations. We remain open to continuing talks with the RMT.”
Top image: Charlotte Ball PA Wire
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