Sleeper staff confirm action over ‘failed promises’ from operators

Caledonian Sleeper staff have confirmed they will take industrial action after operators failed to deliver on “promises” to address “intolerable” stress caused by working conditions.

The RMT union claimed members have had their working lives “ruined” and that operators Serco did not address concerns which were raised.

Poor staffing levels and insufficient training have previously been blamed for the situation.

The union has now confirmed strike action and action short of a strike, after members previously voted in favour by more than 10 to one in a turnout of more than 80%.

Members have been instructed not to book on shift between 12pm on Sunday September 29 and 11.59pm on Tuesday October 1.

They have also been told to not work any overtime or rest days, not to perform highergrade duties and to work to their original job description from 12.01am on October 2.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The union is angry and frustrated that promises made to us to address the serious concerns of the Caledonian Sleeper staff at the end of July have not been honoured and that leaves us with no choice but to activate our industrial action mandate.”

Union representatives have had a number of meetings with the company through the joint working party and have reported “insufficient progress” has been made.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s managing director of the Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We are deeply disappointed and frustrated at this industrial action by the RMT, but most of all we are bemused as they have been unable to explain what will bring this dispute to a resolution.”

Picture: Kenny Elrick. The union has been left “frustrated”.