UK: Eurostar Staff Consider Industrial Action

Image courtesy of Eurostar

Rail Union RMT announced that it is to start balloting Eurostar train managers operating out of London St Pancras to consider strike action and “action short of a strike” to protest lone-working, and the alleged victimisation of a member of staff. The ballot will be open from 1 March 2016 to 15 March 2016.

RMT is taking the action following Eurostar’s handling of a female train manager who objected to working alone on a section of the route. The “long serving, loyal member of staff”, who is also an RMT activist and Company Council Union Representative, was disciplined for gross misconduct.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“The outrageous decision taken by Eurostar management to discipline our member in this manner is totally unacceptable. This is a situation that the union will not allow to go unchallenged. Our members recognise full well that it could be them next and that it is imperative that they stand together. RMT is urging all members to demonstrate the strength of feeling to the company in this dispute by returning a massive YES vote in the ballot for industrial action.
“The risks of asking a member of staff to work alone are obvious to everyone and the fact that there is currently a heightened level of security alert on these international services only reinforces the union’s case.
“The union remains available for talks.”

Eurostar told Railway-News:

“We’re in ongoing discussions with RMT to find a solution.”