RMT and Unite have called off strike ballots of their members working for East Midlands Trains (EMT), leaving drivers-only union ASLEF as the only union in a position to take strike action in the immediate future.
Workers are in dispute over changes to their pension scheme. According to the RMT, EMT bosses have made some concessions over how pensions contributions are calculated. They plan to put management’s new offer to their members with a recommendation to accept.
Unite also called off a ballot of EMT maintenance staff, who were poised to strike over the Jubilee weekend. Until Unite and RMT members vote on managements’ new offers, their disputes remain live.
ASLEF is currently discussing its next steps and could take more action.
Sparks' wildcat wins reinstatement
Wildcat strike action by electricians at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire secured the reinstatement of a victimised union rep.
Unite rep Jason Poulter was accused of “bullying” a colleague after an incident in which he attempted to stop the unsafe use of a mechanical saw and faced a six-month suspension.
600 workers walked off the job on the morning of Tuesday 29 May.
Jason Poulter said: “We were just trying to stand our ground through this, because I’d rather be unemployed than have unjust and untrue allegations going on my personal record.”
Airport workers strike against pay cuts
A four-day strike by baggage handlers and ground staff at Stansted Airport took place over the Jubilee weekend.
Members of the GMB and Unite unions employed by contractor Swissport struck from Saturday 2 June in an ongoing dispute over unilaterally imposed changes to workers’ rosters which could result in pay cuts.
GMB organiser Guy Pearce said: “GMB has offered several alternative shift patterns and working arrangements but the company refuses to listen.”
Doctors to strike
Members of the British Medical Association, the professional association representing doctors, will take industrial action on 21 June. Its members will refuse to carry out non-urgent duties.
79% of doctors who voted in the ballot backed action short of a strike, and 63% backed full strike action. The action is in response to reforms to doctors’ pensions, which could see them face a 14.5% reduction in pay (to cover increase pensions contributions) by 2014.
This is compared with a reduction of just 7.35% for civil servants on equivalent pay.
