Caledonian Sleeper staff to vote on strike over rest breaks
An industrial action ballot among Caledonian Sleeper staff will be launched today in a dispute over the use of spare berths for rest breaks during extended shifts
Voting among the 75 Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) staff affected will continue until 15 September and any action could start on 29 September. It follows the union claiming operator Serco had refused to provide extra berths so train hosts working extended shifts up to 16-anda-half hours “can avoid fatigue whilst at work”.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “This reasonable request has been refused and no satisfactory solution has been tabled by management.
“Unfortunately, it now appears the company are not prepared to allow for any meaningful discussions to take place and has refused to release our representatives to take part in negotiations.
“After carefully considering this matter, the national executive committee believes there is no other choice, but to ballot our members for industrial action.”
Serco said a room on each train was already provided for staff breaks and other rooms were made available if spare. The firm said staff also had a dedicated rest area, as well as the Club Car and seated coach, closed to passengers since March because of Covid-19.
Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s managing director for Caledonian Sleeper, said: “The agreement we reached with the RMT last year to provide a guest room for rest, in addition to the other on board train spaces available, is still in place.”