RMT, which is the Rail Union in the UK, has announced that members of staff on Virgin Trains West Coast services will be taking strike action in a dispute over pay.
The dispute is that the RMT demands a suitable equal pay for Virgin Trains West Coast employees. Similar to that received by drivers.
Virgin Trains have agreed to a deal which would see drivers get an hour less on the base working week without losing pay (giving them an additional £500 on their salary).
Nearly 1800 train managers, onboard catering, station staff and retail grades voted. The result saw a 9 to 1 vote in favour of strike action.
When will they be striking?
No Virgin Trains West Coast is to sign on during these times:
• 00:01 and 2359 Friday 15th December 2017
• 00:01 and 2359 Friday 22nd December 2017
• Friday 5th January 2018 between 00:01 and 2359
• 00:01 and 2359 Monday 8th January 2018
• 00:01 and 2359 Friday 26th January 2018
• Monday 29th January 2018 between 00:01 and 2359
What did an official from RMT say?
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said “Our members on Virgin West Coast are striking for workplace equality and workplace justice. All our members are demanding is a suitable and equal offer that given to drivers to buy out their claim for a reduction in the base working week. We have made it clear to the company that the inequality and underhanded approach of Virgin will be fought tooth and nail. We will not accept our members being dealt with less favorably than others. The message needs to get through to Sir Richard Branson on his luxury island retreat in the sunshine that those who are financing his lifestyle through their hard graft have had enough. They are prepared to fight for justice in their workplaces. The union remains available for talks.”
- Visit the RMT Website
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