More than 1,000
railway workers are being balloted for industrial action in a row over pay.
Staff at Arriva
Trains Wales, belonging to the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union and the
Transport Salaried Staffs Association, are being urged to back a campaign of
action after rejecting a two-year wage offer. The proposed deal of 4.75% this
year and the rate of inflation plus 0.75% in 2009 to non-driving grades is
worse than a pay rise given to other employees at the company. Bob Crow,
general secretary of the RMT, said: "This is the second year in a row that
lower paid grades have been asked to swallow a smaller rise and our members are
telling us they have had enough. Arriva Trains Wales has not long handed its
shareholders £14 million in dividends but it is the workforce that creates its
profits and it’s time for them to get a fair share in the fruits of this
success. It is obscene that, while the company is paying directors £230,000, we
have to go to the Low Pay Commission to discuss the problem of poverty wages at
the company."
Manuel Cortes, assistant general secretary of the TSSA, said: "Our
members are very upset that they are being asked to take a lower pay rise than
other employees. We all contribute to the success of the company and we should
all receive the same rewards.” Voting closes at the end of October and the two
unions will co-ordinate any industrial action.
