Heathrow Express staff to strike
Workers on the Heathrow Express rail service are to stage two 24-hour strikes in two separate disciplinary disputes, it was announced today.
Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union will walk out on February 26 and again on March 11 after voting in favour of action.
Up to 250 workers involved in the disputes will also refuse to work any additional hours for 48 hours from 3am on March 3.
The action is in support of a sacked driver and in protest against the suspension of a union activist.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Instead of using the period between the ballot result and the announcement of industrial action to negotiate a settlement, Heathrow Express have instead opted to ratchet up their attacks in an act of blatant provocation.
"The unfair and disproportionate punishment taken by management in both these cases is a total miscarriage of justice and that is reflected in the overwhelming ballot results for action.
"Management's behaviour clearly demonstrates their willingness to victimise staff and union representatives at the slightest provocation, and no doubt they see this as payback for the successful building of a strong and militant union organisation within the company."
The union said the action will disrupt Heathrow Express services, which run between the airport and London.
- Alan Jones
