RMT to ballot for action over sacking by Virgin Trains of victim of horrific on-train assault

Publication Date: July 30 2010

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed this morning that it is preparing to ballot staff on Virgin West Coast for strike action and action short of a strike following the dismissal of a member after a period of absence following an horrific on-train assault.

RMT officials are compiling the information required to conduct an urgent ballot of all on-train catering and train manager (guards) members at Liverpool Lime Street for strike action and action short of a strike following the dismissal of our colleague Jackie Catterson.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“In over thirty years in the trade union movement I have rarely come across a dismissal as callous and brutal as the way that Virgin West Coast have treated our member Jackie Catterson. The company, right up to and including Sir Richard Branson, should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.

“It is a fact that Jackie Catterson has taken two personal injury claims against Virgin West Coast for on-board accidents both of which the company has admitted liability for. Also some periods of Sister Catterson’s absence were due to on-board assaults including one particularly horrific attack.

“Virgin West Coast management are behaving disgracefully as they have not used any disciplinary, management of absence or ill health procedures or any supporting medical evidence in reaching this dismissal decision. They have shown themselves to be totally uncaring, unsympathetic and insensitive from start to finish and their only interest has been in kicking Jackie out of the door.

“We will be calling for a massive YES vote for action in this ballot and will also make sure that the wider public are fully aware of the callous way that Virgin West Coast have treated a member of staff still recovering from a vicious assault while on duty.”

ENDS