EDINBURGH rail staff have joined union members across the country in protesting against policies on rest-day working as outlined by Avanti West Coast.
The RMT Union organised two strike days on 31 December and 2 January following their rejection of Avanti’s latest offer to resolve an ongoing dispute.
The dispute concerns the payment offered to Avanti staff when working on their rest days, and particularly applies to train managers.
This follows three previous days of strike action on 22, 23, and 29 December, which did not result in an agreement.
The RMT Union posted on social media yesterday saying “Back on the RMT train managers picket line outside Edinburgh Waverley today.
“It’s time Avanti returned to the negotiating table and offered our members a fair settlement for rest-day working.”
This was posted alongside a picture of the union members holding up placards reading “RMT Official Picket” outside the station on Market Street.
Avanti West Coast trains connect London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, and similar protests have been occurring in these cities.
Last week, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Avanti West Coast’s proposals have been decisively rejected by our train managers, sending a clear message to management that the current arrangements are unacceptable.
“Train managers are being treated unfairly compared to senior managers, who receive significant payments for covering these roles.
“Our members have had enough, and this strike action demonstrates their determination to win a fair deal.
“It’s time for Avanti to put forward serious proposals that reflect the vital contribution of our train managers to the railway.
“We remain ready to reach a negotiated settlement, and we urge management to show they are serious about resolving this dispute.”
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said today: “We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during the strike action over New Year.
“We’re disappointed by the RMT calling strikes on Sundays from 12 January to 25 May, which will once again cause significant disruption to our customers making journeys on the West Coast Main Line. We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”
