Ballot of Interserve Network Rail station staff under way

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that it is beginning preparations for an industrial action ballot of Interserve staff working on Network Rail station contracts. The ballot comes just weeks after the collapse of the out-sourcing outfit into administration.

The list of issue sparking the ballot for action include:

1. Dignity and Respect at work.
2. Cultural Awareness and an Agreed Holiday System.
3. Improved Health & Safety at work.
4. The bullying and harassment of staff and victimisation of RMT Representatives.

Despite the best efforts of RMT officials Interserve management continue to ignore our concerns and have instead chosen to increase the bullying and intimidation of our cleaning grade members within the workplace.

Furthermore, management are refusing RMT access to their premises at several locations in an attempt to stop union representatives from carrying out their basic trade union functions. Interserve has even gone as far as asking Network Rail to remove RMT representatives from these stations.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“There is a culture of fear and bullying rife within Interserve and it has got to stop.

“Staff should not be frightened to approach their Union and members should not feel victimised for being part of the RMT and yet that is exactly what is happening. RMT is now doing everything possible to send Interserve a clear message that we will not allow their vindictive attitude to hinder our efforts to improve the terms and conditions of our members.

“RMT’s National Executive Committee has considered the matter and believes that we have no other option than to start preparing a ballot for industrial action. That preparation is now underway and the union remains available for genuine and meaningful talks.”