The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Caledonian sleeper services off as staff walk out on strike
Caledonian Sleeper services will be cancelled for two days as staff strike over what unions described as “intolerable pressure”.
Negotiations have broken down between the RMT and Serco, which runs Sleeper services, with the operator accused of “slamming the door on any settlement”.
Workers will now take industrial action, joining picket lines in London and Scottish stations, forcing the train operator to cancel all services tomorrow and Monday.
Serco said it is attempting to make arrangements with other train companies to help stranded passengers travel, as well as refunding fares.
The strike action follows failed negotiations between the two sides, with the RMT alleging Serco has not addressed “serious concerns raised by staff that have ruined working lives and placed the workforce under intolerable pressure”.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Every effort RMT has made to settle this dispute with Serco has been kicked back in our faces.
“There was an opportunity to reach an agreement that would address the matters at the heart of the dispute this week but once again Serco squandered the opportunity and chose instead to string us along. That is no way to run a railway.”
He added: “RMT members have been put under intolerable personal stress as a result of the company’s mismanagement of the Sleeper service.”
Caledonian Sleeper staff will join picket lines tomorrow and Monday at London Euston, Glasgow, Edinburgh Waverley, Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness stations.
A statement from Serco said: “We have been advised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) that their members intend to take strike action on Caledonian Sleeper services next week.
“As a result, we can confirm that all of our services departing on Sunday September 29 and Monday September 30 will be cancelled.
“We apologise to all of our affected guests for the inconvenience this will undoubtedly cause. We are in the process of arranging alternative transportation with other train operators.”