Rail union to hold ballot over Olympic travel disruptions (From Dorset Echo)

Rail union to hold ballot over Olympic travel disruptions

6:18pm Friday 29th June 2012 in Local News

WEYMOUTH-WATERLOO operator South West Trains is standing firm on a pay deal in a dispute which threatens to disrupt travel during the Olympics.

Transport union the RMT is trying to negotiate a deal for workers who it says will face additional pressures during Games’ time in July.

The union is set to hold a ballot of its members on possible strike action during the Olympics.

South West Trains (SWT) has warned the RMT it will not be renegotiating the pay deal the union agreed four months ago which covers the period of the Games.

It claims the union has attempted to renege on the deal and secure a further bonus.

The RMT says the train company is attempting to impose extra workloads, new rosters and a ban on leave.

A South West Trains spokesman said: “We are disappointed the union has decided to press ahead with this unnecessary ballot.

“We would urge union members to think carefully about the issues before they decide which way to vote. Industrial action, whether it is a strike or anything else, will be unnecessary and will not change anything.”

The spokesman added: “The country does not want to see any disruption or threat of it during the Olympics.

“It should be a showcase event for the nation.

“We will always support our staff to help them deliver the best service they can.”