RMT press release, issued today

NEARLY 300 members of Britain’s biggest rail union working for London Overground are to be balloted for strike action over a breakdown of industrial relations.

The dispute involves a complex of issues, including failure to negotiate seriously on restructuring proposals, failure to improve facilities and progress other welfare issues, and failure to confirm verbal assurances that new trains would be staffed by guards with full operational safety role and control of doors.

The ballot, which will open on March 3 and close on March 17, is being co-ordinated with ballots in separate disputes in three other train-operating companies.

“Our members’ problems at LOROL have multiplied in recent months to the point that we have a complete breakdown in industrial relations, and there is no option left but to ballot for strike action,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today

“There is growing anger among our members that the company has even failed to keep promises to provide basic facilities like proper toilets, mess rooms and communications.

“The company has consistently failed to negotiate seriously over its restructuring plans, and has failed to give us the assurance we are seeking that there will be no attempt to undermine safety by introducing driver-only operation of often overcrowded commuter trains.

“If LOROL wants to avoid industrial action it should address our members’ concerns and negotiate seriously on all these issues,” Bob Crow said.