8 September 2015
RMT Press Office
RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that following a massive vote in favour of taking industrial action in defence of an unfairly dismissed member at Blackpool North - Chad Vickers – members will strike for 48 hours this weekend.
Chad was dismissed by a management with little regard for due process, evidence or natural justice. Additionally, while the matter was referred to the police, they could find no evidence at all of the charges laid against Chad.
This farce of a disciplinary process – now confirmed as a dismissal – has been considered further by RMT’s Executive Committee and, in the absence of justice prevailing in this case, the union has decided to act on the mandate for strike action.
Members have therefore instructed not to book on for any shifts which commence between:-
00.01 on Saturday 12th September 2015 and 23.59 on Sunday 13th September 2015
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:
“This action has not been put on lightly, but is the last resort in our efforts in making management sit up and take notice of anger amongst his fellow workers over Chad’s disgraceful dismissal. There is no compelling CCTV evidence, the police found no forensic evidence and management could come up with very little in anecdotal evidence to support their decision to dismiss Chad.
“That is why RMT is urging members to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with their sacked colleague and support strike action this weekend. The union remains available for talks.”
Unity House
Tel: 020 7387 4771
Email: