31.07.12
RMT to issue strike ballot on Heathrow Express
Rail union RMT is preparing to ballot staff for a strike and action short of a strike against Heathrow Express in a pay dispute.
Cleaning, facilities and asset management, and mechanical engineering staff working for Heathrow Express have been offered a pay increase of 1.75% and will not receive compensation for working during the Olympics, the union declared.
The RMT said this was “at odds” with a previously secured pay deal for directly employed staff above RPI and including a substantial Olympics agreement.
General secretary Bob Crow said: “Here we have yet another group of contracted workers in the rail industry who are being told to take a hit on their pay and working conditions while the companies who employ them look to widen their profit margins. RMT members have rightly said that they will not put up with this blatant unfairness and have asked us to organize a ballot for action.
“The scandal of exploitation and profiteering on Britain’s railways is once again blown open in this dispute and RMT will be organizing and campaigning for a massive YES vote in the ballot.”
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