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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2015 :: RMTnews
5
S
taff employed by the Settle
and Carlisle Railway
Development Company that
provide at-seat catering on
Northern Rail services between
Carlisle and Settle took strike
action recently against
compulsory redundancies.
Pickets handed out coffee
and Christmas cake to
passengers and leaflets
explaining the dispute in
solidarity with a colleague who
has been unfairly declared
redundant.
The union is fully aware that
the company is doing well
financially - so there is no
economic reason for the
redundancy situation.
The company has also sited
organisation changes in
preparation for changes to rail
franchises - but these
specifications have not even
been announced yet let alone
been awarded to an operator,
making a nonsense of the
company’s position.
Meetings in Appleby have
failed and RMT has made it
clear that it is in this dispute for
the long haul if the arrogant
and belligerent attitude from
management doesn't change.
The union’s demands are
clear – fairness, transparency
and justice and reinstatement
for the sacked member of staff.
RMT has been extremely
supportive of the trolley
catering service because the
union knows it enhances the
passenger experience of the
journey.
RMT general secretary Mick
Cash said that the last thing the
union expected on the historic
Settle/Carlisle rail line was a
compulsory redundancy
situation.
“The company’s actions are
at odds with their stated
objectives leading them into a
regrettable and wholly avoidable
dispute.
“This is a kick in the teeth
for loyal and hard-working staff
that have fought hard to save
and develop this well-loved
service.
“Astonishingly the company
has sited potential rail franchise
changes in 2016 as a reason for
the compulsory redundancy
now, when the specifications for
the rail franchises are still nor
known and the franchises
themselves will not actually be
let for some considerable time.
“Despite numerous requests
to look at alternatives to
compulsory redundancy the
company has pressed ahead and
the union had no option but to
ballot our members for a strike,”
he said.
The union remains available
for further talks.
SETTLE/CARLISLE RAIL
STAFF STRIKE OVER
REDUNDANCIES