Rail jobs, staff issues and training

RMT threatens strikes over Olympics deal

The rail union RMT is set to ballot its members for industrial action against Greater Anglia proposals for an Olympics reward package.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Greater Anglia have deliberately dragged their feet over this crucial issue knowing that the clock is ticking down and they have now confronted us at the eleventh hour with an offer which they knew full well would be totally unacceptable.

“As a consequence we now have no option but to move to an urgent ballot for both strike action and action short of a strike to reinforce our case for a fair and unified settlement.

“There can be no excuse for the cavalier attitude of the company to these negotiations on an essential section of the Olympics transport network and we would hope that they would now come to their senses and enter into meaningful talks at this late stage.”

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We’re surprised to hear that the RMT are intending to organise a ballot as we have not received any formal notification from the union of their intention to do so.

“We will continue to progress the constructive discussions that are taking place over this matter with the RMT and our staff representatives.”

No details were given as to the offer the company proposed.

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