6 June 2024
RMT Press Office:
RMT will launch strike action on Avanti West Coast tomorrow in response to the company's implementation of new rosters that have led to significant stress and exhaustion among employees.
Catering staff at Avanti West Coast are incensed by sudden changes to shift schedules, cuts to jobs, and enforced overtime.
These conditions have severely disrupted RMT members' lives, making it impossible for them to plan family commitments or attend vital medical appointments, resulting in low morale amongst the workforce.
The union has also discovered that Avanti management is attempting to undermine the strike by encouraging senior management to cover catering roles.
These individuals lack the proper training and cannot deliver the consistent high-quality service that our members provide.
Since taking over the West Coast Main Line franchise from Virgin, Avanti has been mired in industrial relations disputes, with the upcoming strike on Friday, June 7, being the latest repercussion of the company's mismanagement.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "Avanti West Coast is living up to its reputation as one of the worst employers on the railway, by showing a shocking disregard for the well-being of its staff.
“Our members, who deliver essential catering services on-board, have been subjected to erratic schedules and forced overtime.
“The company's disorganised management has left staff unable to plan their lives, causing an unacceptable level of stress and fatigue.
“The situation is intolerable and we have been left with no choice but to take strike action to protect our members and demand a fair and reasonable work-life balance.”
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