New Industrial Actions Looms At Virgin Trains Kings Cross Following Breakdown in Relations

by Benson Agoha | In Woolwich

Industrial Relations in Virgin Trains Kings Cross dropped to a new low, Wednesday, after workers complained of concerns relating to restructuring and changes to working practices at the station.

(Credit: Rail Pictures.Net)

It comes on the heel of the suspension of the ADW Strike, late last night after important progress in last minute talks.

In a letter sent to all branches, regional offices and regional councils, RMT Secretary General, Mick Cash, said that working practices affected include:

* Introduction of battery back vacuum cleaners

* Reduction in the size of cleaning teams

* Use of temporary agency workers to implement new ways of working

* New ways of working for tankers; including the cut from two (previously three) to just one tanker per train

* Job Cuts on the agenda, as a consequence for both cleaners and tankers (members have already been told there would be redundancies)

He said their members are also experiencing problems with pay and are often waiting a long time for management to rectify these.

* Mick Cash: RMT General Secretary

"The General Grades Committee has now considered this matter believes that the company’s actions are completely unacceptable," he said in a letter to their members.

In mean time, Cash said a dispute was officially in place, and having notified the company, is set to ballot ISS Virgin Train members, "for strike action or industrial action, where a strike action is not in favour, at Kings Cross.