Ballot in FGW dispute

摘要

RMT is to ballot all its members at First Great Western for both strike action and action short of strike, having declared a dispute over staffing issues raised by the introduction of new rolling stock under the Intercity Express Programme {RBI483 p10). Ballot papers are to be dispatched on June 12 with the ballot closing on June 30. The union has been seeking assurances that a safety-competent guard will be kept on every train, and that safety-critical station dispatch staff will also be retained. RMT also wants 'to keep buffet car facilities on every train', ensure that maintenance of new rolling stock remains in-house and that there will be 'no job losses'. 'These issues have been raised with the company by union representatives on numerous occasions', says RMT, 'however, no satisfactory solutions have been proposed by management to resolve this situation'. While the ballot takes place, the union has informed FGW that it remains available for talks. 'RMT has made every effort to secure a series of very basic assurances from FGW over jobs, services and safety as a result of the introduction of the new Hitachi fleet and they have simply ignored us', said General Secretary Mick Cash. 'We therefore have no option but to now move to a ballot of all staff for action to force the company to take this issue seriously'.