Rail workers at depot in St Leonards to go on strike over dispute with train operator Southeastern
Rail workers at a St Leonards depot have announced they will be going on strike for three days as a result of a dispute with Southeastern, a union has said.
The RMT said the walk-outs will start on Wednesday (January 28) at West Marina Depot.
The union said RMT members working as Shunter Driver Team Leaders (SDTLs) at West Marina Depot, are routinely undertaking the full responsibilities of Yard Movement Controllers without the appropriate grade or pay.
A union spokesperson said: “The situation amounts to a systematic suppression of wages with RMT members expected to shoulder higher levels of responsibility while being denied fair recognition and remuneration.
“Southeastern management has so far refused to grade these safety critical workers properly, leaving workers with no option but to take sustained strike action.”
John Parsons, RMT regional organiser said: “Our members at West Marina Depot are doing higher-level, safety-critical work without being graded or paid properly for it.
“Southeastern cannot expect workers to take on such duties while refusing to pay them properly.
“This is a straightforward issue of unfair exploitation that could be sorted out very quickly but so far the company has chosen not to act.
“Our members are very determined to see a fair and negotiated settlement and are prepared to take further action if necessary.”
Steve Foster, people and culture director at Southeastern Railway, said: “Industrial action related to West Marina Depot will not have any impact on train services. “We remain in discussions with union representatives and are working constructively to reach a resolution.”