…By for TDPel Media.
Railway workers are facing disciplinary action for participating in a campaign to save ticket offices from closure, according to the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).
The union has warned of potential industrial action in response to any punitive measures taken against its members for promoting the cause.
The campaign seeks public support through petitions and consultations to challenge the contentious plans of closing approximately 1,000 ticket offices.
Threats and Concerns:
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch wrote to train operator LNER expressing deep concern over reports of managers threatening employees with disciplinary actions and unpaid leaves for wearing ‘save our ticket offices’ stickers.
Lynch condemned such tactics, stating that they are disgraceful, particularly when staff members are fighting for their own future job security and the preservation of essential services.
He underscored the importance of allowing the affected employees to voice their opinions, emphasizing that any move to discipline RMT members for expressing their stance through simple statements on stickers would trigger a robust industrial response.
Appeal for Respect and Consultation:
Lynch urged train operator LNER to retract any disciplinary threats and guarantee the democratic right of their staff to be heard on this crucial matter.
He insisted that a genuine and meaningful consultation process should include the participation of the very staff whose jobs are at risk due to the proposed closures.
The RMT firmly demanded that employees’ opinions be respected and taken into account during the decision-making process, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.
Widespread Impact:
The RMT revealed that reports of campaign materials being removed from stations have been received from its members at various other train operators, signaling a broader impact and resistance against the campaign.
The attempts to suppress the campaign materials further highlight the contentious nature of the ticket office closure issue.
Conclusion:
As the public consultation on the closure of ticket offices draws to a close, the situation remains tense, with railway workers determined to fight for the preservation of their jobs and the services they provide.
The RMT’s firm stance against any attempts to suppress the campaign and the threat of industrial action underscores the gravity of the situation.
The decision-makers must heed the call for respectful dialogue and genuine consultation with the employees whose livelihoods hang in the balance.
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