07.09.17
RMT threatens strike action against another TOC over pay
Yet another TOC could become the latest victim of widespread industrial action as the RMT today warned that a dispute against East Midlands Trains (EMT) was “looming”.
The union said that strikes could be on the horizon due to East Midlands allegedly “dragging its heels” on a fair payment settlement for its staff.
RMT argued that any pay offer below the RPI inflation rate of 3.6% set in July would mean a reduction in staff living standards, adding that it was “logical” for this to be the starting point in EMT staff pay negotiations.
It also said that staff wages were not keeping up with large increases in the salaries of those higher up in the company.
The highest-paid director at EMT had their remuneration grow by 41.5% to £290,000 over the last five years, while staff wages had only gone up by 15.1% in the same period.
RMT is currently either striking or preparing to strike against a number of other UK operators. In August, the union announced a third triple strike on Southern, Merseyrail and Northern services, and balloted its members about extending the dispute (which centres around the implementation of driver-only operated trains) to Greater Anglia.
“All of the financial returns prove conclusively that East Midlands Trains is a company awash with cash. In these circumstances, it is simply incredible that the company should seek to undermine and attack the pay and living standards of their own staff,” said general secretary of RMT, Mick Cash.
“RMT members have two choices. We can accept that the company, despite having made massive profits, can dish out a de facto wage cut.
“Or we stand firm and demand recognition for the fact that it is our members who generate the company profits and we can fight to secure a fair pay rise for EMT staff which offers dignity and respect. We choose to fight for pay justice.”
Cash also confirmed that the union has begun preparations to ballot its members over strike action after September 19, when talks will resume with the operator to negotiate better pay.
“To this end RMT has begun preparations for a ballot for both strike action and action short of a strike if we are forced to go into dispute with the company after the 19th September when pay talks will resume,” the union boss stated.
“The ball is now in East Midlands Trains court and they can settle this matter in the next round of talks by coming forwards with a fresh offer that recognises the hard work of their staff and which protects and enhances their standard of living.”
An East Midlands Trains spokesperson told RTM: "Positive talks have taken place with local union reps and we have made a reasonable and fair pay offer. We will continue to listen as the planned talks progress with the RMT."
Top Image: Charlotte Ball PA Wire
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