Rail staff back OAP in Trump resort row

Rail workers have protested at US President Donald Trump’s golf resort in South Ayrshire in a row over historic rail travel benefits.

The protest was organised by the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) trade union in relation to pensioner Alistair Sutherland.

Trump Turnberry belonged to the old British Rail hotel portfolio when Mr Sutherland began working there in 1973. Reduced travel rights – including discounts and free train tickets – were part of his pension package.

Subsequent owners of the hotel had since honoured the pensioner’s deal.

But Mr Sutherland received a letter from Trump Turnberry in February stating a decision had been made to bring an end to the benefit because the hotel has not operated as a British Transport hotel since 1983.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “TSSA members are defending more than just their colleague, they are standing up for the principle of honouring pension packages and trades union rights.”

Trump Turnberry did not respond to a request for comment.