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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2023 :: RMTnews
6
Engineers, clerical staff and
production operatives working
for Unipart Rail in Crewe
launched four days of
continuous strike action late
last month.
RMT members remain angry
that management has been
unwilling to improve a derisory
4.75 per cent which the union
has flatly rejected.
Despite attempts by union
negotiators to recommend a
pathway to a resolution,
Unipart cancelled a last-ditch
meeting, torpedoing any
chance of calling strikes off.
RMT general secretary Mick
Lynch said that Unipart bosses
continued to behave in an
intransigent manner and
shown a complete disregard
for its own staff.
“Our members have
rejected a derisory pay offer,
but despite attempts by our
negotiators to reach a
settlement, Unipart bosses
cancelled a last-ditch meeting,
showing no interest in trying
to resolve the dispute.
“RMT remains determined
to reach a negotiated
settlement on pay and
conditions and is willing to
take more strike action if
necessary,” he said.
Contracted out caterers will
took two days of strike action
at TransPennine Express last
month over poor pay,
pensions and sick pay.
RMT members working for
Rail Gourmet on TransPennine
Express services get lower pay
and poorer terms and
conditions than colleagues
directly employed by the train
operator.
Rail Gourmet made £1.4
million in profit last year but
has refused to make a decent
offer.
There have been reports
that TPE have been training up
workers to break the strike,
paying them a reported £25
an hour - far more than Rail
Gourmet staff on TPE earn.
RMT general secretary Mick
Lynch said that greedy rail
contractors had too long
exploited members and Rail
Gourmet was no exception.
“Despite making more than
a million pounds in profit, Rail
Gourmet are refusing to offer
staff a decent pay rise, sick
pay or a good pension.
“Rail Gourmet staff wear
the same uniform and work
just as hard as directly
employed TransPennine
Express workers.
“Yet they earn considerably
less and will be left in poverty
in retirement all because TPE
contract out their catering
services.
“TPE bosses have also
taken the disgraceful decision
to begin training scab labour
at an hourly rate more than
double what Rail Gourmet
staff currently earn.
“RMT will not rest until we
achieve a reasonable
settlement on pay, pensions
and sick pay. And our
members are fully prepared to
take further industrial action if
necessary,” he said.
UNIPART RAIL STAFF FOUR-
DAY STRIKE ACTION
CATERERS AT TPE TAKE
STRIKE ACTION
STRIKE: picket outside Unipart Rail Crewe during four days of
strike action following two days undertaken in July