Socialist Appeal - Arriva Trains Strike Threat

Arriva Trains Strike Threat

By Steve Tree

Tuesday, 28 October 2008

More than 1,000 railway workers are being balloted for industrial action in a row over pay.

Staff at Arriva Trains Wales, belonging to the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, are being urged to back a campaign of action after rejecting a two-year wage offer. The proposed deal of 4.75% this year and the rate of inflation plus 0.75% in 2009 to non-driving grades is worse than a pay rise given to other employees at the company. Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, said: "This is the second year in a row that lower paid grades have been asked to swallow a smaller rise and our members are telling us they have had enough. Arriva Trains Wales has not long handed its shareholders £14 million in dividends but it is the workforce that creates its profits and it’s time for them to get a fair share in the fruits of this success. It is obscene that, while the company is paying directors £230,000, we have to go to the Low Pay Commission to discuss the problem of poverty wages at the company."

Manuel Cortes, assistant general secretary of the TSSA, said: "Our members are very upset that they are being asked to take a lower pay rise than other employees. We all contribute to the success of the company and we should all receive the same rewards.” Voting closes at the end of October and the two unions will co-ordinate any industrial action.