RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews 6 Industrial action by ScotRail conductors has been taking place each Sunday in a fight for equality and justice over enhanced payments for rest day working. More than 75 per cent of members voted to strike which is taking place throughout this month. All Abellio ScotRail Conductor members are not working Rest Days or undertaking any higher grade duties until further notice. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that ScotRail members were standing shoulder to shoulder during the days of industrial action. “ScotRail ticket examiners have also voted for action in growing fight for workplace justice in a dispute around equality and justice over enhanced payments for rest day working. "Our ticket examiners have now joined our conductor members in this fight for equality with other ScotRail grades over enhanced payments and it’s now time for Abellio to get out of their bunker and do the right thing by their staff. “The political leadership in Scotland can no longer sit on the fence and ignore these disputes in their back yard. It's time for serious talks, a serious approach to workplace fairness and justice and a serious solution to be reached. “We have made it clear that we will not allow ScotRail to divide the workforce and are demanding that ScotRail do what is fair and honour an enhanced rate for rest day working for all grades,” he said. The union is balloting bus driver members for industrial action over the victimisation of Southampton bus branch secretary Declan Clune who has been dismissed for reporting concerns around a bridge being struck by vehicles to Network Rail. The union has launched a high-profile publicity campaign in public and media forums including demonstrations in support of Declan’s reinstatement by the company Bluestar.  At Declan's recent appeal hearing the company upheld their earlier decision of dismissal for bringing the company into disrepute. No evidence has been forthcoming to explain what the loud banging noise has been when buses have passed under the bridge in question. Bluestar has denied that it had failed to adhere to its own procedure and decided that Declan, in reporting the issue to Network Rail, could have influenced their opportunities for further business. The union rejects this as total nonsense. RMT's National Executive Committee has reaffirmed the union's commitment to supporting and campaigning for our Declan Clune’s reinstatement by Bluestar. The union has made clear that it considers this matter to be an attack on representatives who come forward to ensure members receive the best possible advice, support and help at work.  RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the victimisation and sacking of Declan Clune was a disgrace and Bluestar should reverse its decision. “Workplace representatives selflessly come to the aid of members without a second thought it is every member's responsibility to come to theirs when attacked. That is why we have declared a dispute with Bluestar and are preparing a ballot for action. "A Director's Review of the matter of the dismissal has now been granted and our officials will be putting a strong case for reinstatement and to right this wrong.  “The company should seize this opportunity to reinstate Declan rather than provoking an industrial dispute. “Our concerns over the reporting of safety issues will be raised with Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, Traffic Commissioner, HSE and relevant local authorities,” he said. RMT BALLOT OVER BUS WORKER SACKING Member sacked for reporting concerns to Network Rail around a bridge being struck by vehicles SCOTRAIL CONDUCTORS FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE