16 June 2026
RMT Press Office:
Rail union RMT, will take strike action at Heavy Haul Rail Ltd on Thursday 25 June for 48 hours, after the company refused to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of a major restructuring programme.
Despite ongoing discussions and some mitigation measures being secured through negotiations, the employer continues to refuse to provide assurances that jobs will be protected.
The dispute centres on proposals affecting Control, Rosters, TOPS, Train Planning, Administration and Management grades, with the company seeking to restructure operations, merge roles, revise job descriptions, and relocate some roles around 200 miles away for no operational or cost benefit.
The major rail freight and bulk haulage operator, which supports critical infrastructure projects as well as Network Rail renewal and maintenance work, has rejected the union's demand for a no compulsory redundancy agreement.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "Despite extensive negotiations, Heavy Haul Rail is still refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies.
"Our members cannot be expected to accept sweeping changes to their jobs, additional responsibilities and increased flexibility requirements while the threat of losing their livelihoods continues to hang over them.
"This strike action is about defending job security, protecting terms and conditions and ensuring that workers are treated with the respect they deserve.
"There is still time for the company to resolve this dispute by providing firm guarantees on compulsory redundancies and engaging meaningfully with the union's concerns.
"The responsibility for this dispute lies entirely with the employer and I urge them to change course."
END
Unity House
Tel: 020 7387 4771
Email: