Rail signal staff to strike again

Rail signalling workers are to stage two fresh strikes in a row over career progression following the breakdown of talks, it was announced today.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union based at the West of Scotland centre will walk out for 24 hours from 5.59am on February 14 and from the same time on March 2.

The workers staged a 72-hour stoppage over Christmas but suspended further action to allow for further talks.

The union claims Network Rail is refusing to stick to a long-standing local arrangement where, when a resident post becomes vacant, it goes to a senior staff member.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "RMT has tried to reach a negotiated settlement to this unilateral ripping-up of a local arrangement but unfortunately the management have refused to see sense and have failed to engage with us seriously since the strike action over Christmas.

"RMT members will not stand by while management unilaterally rip up agreements and practices that have been in place at local level for decades.

"As a consequence of management's continued intransigence we have no option but to go ahead with this further wave of strike action.

"RMT members are furious at this refusal to comply with a local arrangement that offers genuine career progression opportunities. RMT remains available for talks at any time aimed at resolving this dispute."

PA