22.12.17
RMT and TSSA cancel five days of Virgin West Coast strikes
The RMT and TSSA unions have cancelled planned strikes today and throughout January on Virgin and Virgin West Coast services after coming to an agreement with the operator.
Initially the industrial action was scheduled for today, 22 December, and 5, 8, 26 and 29 January next year, but Virgin Trains have confirmed that a deal has been struck to stop the strikes going ahead.
The dispute revolves around disparities in pay 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.
These cancellations will not affect the RMT’s other scheduled strikes on Northern, Merseyrail, Greater Anglia, South Western Railways and the Island Line on 8, 10 and 12 January.
TSSA general secretary, Manuel Cortes, stated: “I am pleased Virgin has finally seen sense, come back to the negotiating table, and made an offer sparing our passengers further disruption at a time of the year when they just want to be with their loved ones at Christmas.”
Virgin Trains managing director, Phil Whittingham, said there might still be some delays to services because of the last-minute nature of the cancellations, but that the company was happy a deal had been reached.
“We’re pleased that we’ve come to an agreement with the RMT and TSSA unions, and can focus on providing the best possible service to our customers,” he explained.
“We’ll do everything we can to run a full service on Friday 22 December, but because the strike has been called off at the last-minute there may be some cancellations. We’ll be working hard to make sure our customers can make it home as quickly and easily as possible for Christmas.”
The RMT will now hold a referendum with its members on the proposed deal, which is believed to be more acceptable to all parties.
Top image: Jonathan Brady PA Wire
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