VIRGIN PAY BATTLE ON TWO FRONTS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2017 :: RMTnews 6 A rriva has pulled out of the contest to continue running most of Wales' rail network next year after controlling the franchise since 2003. There are three remaining bidders - Abellio, KeolisAmey and MTR. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was interesting that Arriva Trains Wales pulled out of the bidding after Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones announced that the next Wales and Borders Franchise would keep a safety-critical conductor or guard on all trains and services. "This decision by Arriva to abandon their operations in Wales exposes the whole opportunist nature of the rail franchising process as they appear to have pulled out because they can't make enough money. “This news presents a golden opportunity for the Welsh to take back control of their railways through public ownership and that opportunity should be seized with both hands,” he said. Members on Virgin West Coast services have voted massively by over nine to one in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in a dispute over pay justice. Virgin East Coast members are also being balloted after the company imposed a rejected pay offer creating a two-tier workforce where new applicants and long-standing staff would have different rights. The West Coast ballot included nearly 1,800 train managers, on board catering, station, clerical and retail grades on the West Coast route from Glasgow down to Euston. The vote returned massive majorities for both strike action and action short of a strike on a very high turnout. At the heart of the dispute is the union’s demand for a suitable equal offer for its Virgin West Coast members to that received by drivers. Virgin has agreed a deal for drivers to buy out their claim for a one hour reduction in the base working week without loss of pay by giving an additional £500 on their basic salary, which is pensionable, whilst asking RMT members to enter into self-financing arrangements for other grades. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that members had voted overwhelmingly for action in this ballot which is all about workplace equality and workplace justice. “We will also not stand by while Virgin East Coast attempts to impose a two-tier workforce with different terms and conditions for our members. “It is shocking that the company are offering new employees an inferior sick pay scheme. “The pay offer was put to our members and they rejected it by a large majority and instead of negotiating the company has sought to impose the offer. “All our members are demanding is a suitable and equal offer to that given to drivers to buy out their claim for a reduction in the base working week “RMT has made it clear to the company that the inequality and underhanded approach of Virgin will be fought tooth and nail. “We will not accept our members being dealt with less favourably than others,” he said. “The message needs to get through to Sir Richard Branson on his luxury island retreat in the sunshine that those who are financing his lifestyle through their hard graft have had enough and are prepared to fight for justice in their workplaces,” he said. VIRGIN PAY BATTLE ON TWO FRONTS RMT members at Virgin West Coast back action and East Coast members balloted over pay justice VIRGIN: How Virgin owner Richard Branson sees his staff ARRIVA PULLS OUT OF WALES FRANCHISE