RMT announces three-day strike at West Marina depot in Hastings

Rail workers are taking 3 days strike action from 28 January after greedy Southeastern bosses left them thousands of pounds short every year. The action will take place at West Marina depot in St Leonards, near Hastings.

Safety critical workers at West Marina depot

RMT members working as Shunter Driver Team Leaders at West Marina Depot, are routinely undertaking the full responsibilities of Yard Movement Controllers without the appropriate grade or pay.

The union says this situation amounts to a systematic suppression of wages. RMT members are 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. This has left workers with no option but to take sustained strike action.

A spokesperson for Southeastern said the action won’t affect train services.

RMT regional organiser John Parsons 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.

Featured image via the Canary