Union ‘raises strike-breaking safety fears’ over Heathrow Express

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The RMT today raised ‘serious safety fears’ over a strike-breaking operation that Heathrow Express are attempting to put in place this weekend which they say, includes ‘managers driving trains and taking on other safety critical roles with what the union believes is wholly inadequate training’.

RMT has raised specific concerns with the Office of Rail Regulation, including the staffing of the joint HEX/LUL operations on the Piccadilly Line into Terminal 5 at Heathrow, where the union has reason to ‘believe that public safety is being compromised’.

The RMT say Heathrow Express have also made an ‘unprecedented attempt’ to persuade other train operators to ‘lend’ them drivers – ‘regardless of the specific training requirements for their trains and route – and have also tried to get First Great Western staff to assist with their dispatch operations in a desperate PR bid to keep some services running’.

More than 300 RMT members working at Heathrow Express are set to strike after voting overwhelming for action in a dispute over pay.

RMT members based at Heathrow Airport and Eastbourne Terrace will strike for 48 hours from 03:40 hours this Friday, May 27, and for 24 hours from 03:40 hours on Friday June 24. Further action will also be scheduled in July.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said:

“Instead of resorting to increasingly desperate moves to keep a few trains running for the benefit of the media it would make far more sense for Heathrow Express to sit down with us and work out a pay deal that fully rewards our members for their hard work which has generated company profits of over £6 million on a turnover of £60 million.

“The company knows it has tabled a completely unacceptable pay offer that is loaded with strings, yet despite a massive vote for action by our members it has made no attempt to negotiate or improve its position.

“We are ready to negotiate seriously to put in place a fair pay package that will take us through the Olympics period and recognises the contribution our members make to delivering a highly successful and profitable service, and we need the company to show the same commitment.”

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