EUROSTAR rail unions RMT and TSSA are coming out on strike for seven days this month in a dispute over unsocial hours and duty rosters for about 80 train managers.
The RMT says Eurostar has failed to honour an agreement from 2008 over conditions for their staff. The strike begins at 00:01 BST on 12 August until 23.59 BST on 15 August, plus three days over the UK Bank Holiday weekend from 27 August. While TSSA members will strike on the 14th and 15th and the 28th and 29th. Eurostar runs between London and mainland Europe.
Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) General Secretary Mick Cash said: ‘Our members have every right to have a fair work-life balance that fulfils the operational needs of the company while guaranteeing quality time off for friends and family.
‘We have had an ongoing issue with our members’ work/life balance and rosters and they are at the end of their tethers. We are trying to get the company to progress on more sociable rosters. It looks like the action will take place this weekend. It was a good ballot result and we expect a good turnout.’
Meanwhile workers at Southern Rail yesterday embarked on the third day of their five-day strike over the role of conductors and plans to hand over responsibility for closing train doors at stations from conductors to drivers.
The day started with an RMT protest outside the Department for Transport (DfT) demanding that the government lift their blockade on a peace deal in the Southern guards dispute. The RMT is offering a deal that mirrors the offer on Scotrail – an offer that enabled the union to suspend all industrial action in that dispute.
However the government once again rejected the offer, opting for war and rejecting peace. On a picket line outside the Department for Transport Mick Cash said: ”Southern Rail are taking their passengers and staff for a bunch of mugs by slamming the door on an offer of talks without any pre conditions which would have led to a suspension of the current action for the rest of this week.’
However by 2pm the strength of the union action told, when the government retreated, and agreed to talks at ACAS after which the RMT cancelled the remaining two days of strike action. Cash informed RMT members: ‘Please be advised that I have now received communication from the conciliation service ACAS informing me that the company will now enter into negotiations with our union officials without any preconditions.
‘The National Executive Committee has had time to consider this matter and have acknowledged that some progress is being made. As the company have now agreed to meet with our union officials without the caveat of any preconditions the NEC has therefore instructed me to inform you and your colleagues that the strike action has now been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
‘You and your colleagues are therefore instructed to return to work for all shifts commencing from 22.00hrs tonight. I would like to congratulate you all on your steadfast and unwavering support for your colleagues during this dispute and the bravery and strength of unity you have shown during this difficult time. I will of course keep you advised of all and any further developments from the talks as they arise.’
