Get the latest news from RMT as it happens - join our media mailing list
Publication Date: August 30 2007
RMT MEMBERS across 'One' railway have voted by more than five to one to strike in support of a guard sacked following an incident with a violent and abusive fare evader, and against the company's neglect of staff safety
The union, which has received an unprecedented number of messages of support from the public, is now consulting reps of its more than 800 'One' members in order to mount the most effective possible action.
More than I00 guards, revenue-protection inspectors and retail staff in north Essex have already taken two days of action in defence of Paul Yarwood, after previously voting by 83 to one to strike.
"Our members across 'One' have demonstrated their solidarity with Paul by voting overwhelmingly to strike," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.
"There is massive anger at the company's abysmal failure to stand by staff who face the daily danger of abuse and assault while management stay safely hidden away in their offices.
"We have received a huge number of supportive letters, emails and calls from members of the public who understand far better than the company the injustice that has been done.
"We thank those who have already contacted us, and would urge people to continue sending their protests to the company.
"We understand that people are having trouble getting through, but we will be happy to pass their messages on.
"Rather than continue to bury their heads in the sand, the company should recognise that its stance is unacceptable, re-instate Paul and start listening to its workforce.
"If they do not, they will face strike action by all our 800 members across the company," Bob Crow said.
ends
Note to editors: In the ballot that closed yesterday, RMT members voted by 300 to 59 to strike.
More than 100 guards based at Colchester and Clacton, revenue-protection inspectors based at Colchester and retail members between Chelmsford and Manningtree voted by 83 to one for action and struck on August 18 and 20.
Paul Yarwood, a guard with an exemplary record, was dismissed over an incident at Colchester North on June 7 involving an abusive fare evader who refused to stop smoking, assaulted a platform supervisor and threatened a passenger and other staff.
