RMT - National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

05/04/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/04/2021 01:12

RMT conductors to strike on East Midlands Railway over safety

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that it has called strike action on East Midlands Railway this month over the imposition of new terms and conditions of employment for senior conductors.

RMT believes that the new terms and conditions would lead to a less safe service. The union rejects the proposed method of working by East Midlands Railway for CL360 electric trains on the Midland Mainline when worked in multiple, either 8 or 12 car operations with one Train Manager as not safe as passengers would not have physical access to a member of staff.

Members had already delivered a strong yes vote for strike action in this dispute.

The National Executive Committee has now considered the matter and has taken the decision to call on all our EMR Senior Conductor members to take industrial action by not booking on for any shifts that commence between:
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 16th May 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 23rd May 2021
• 00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Sunday 30th May 2021

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

'RMT has been left with no choice but to call strike action on East Midlands Railway as the company do not seem to be taking the genuine safety concerns of our members seriously.

'We believe that passengers should continue to have access to a member of staff on the service.

'The union remains available for further talks and open to discussions on another safety critical role to assist the Train Manager on these trains.'