Threat of Network Rail strike moves closer (From Swindon Advertiser)

Threat of Network Rail strike moves closer

11:20am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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THOUSANDS of Network Rail maintenance workers have voted in favour of strikes in a row over jobs, bringing the threat of industrial action over Easter closer.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said 77 per cent of its members who took part in the ballot backed strikes, with 89 per cent supporting action short of a strike. There was a 65 per cent turnout in the ballot, called in protest at plans to cut 1,500 maintenance jobs and change working practices.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “RMT members were faced with a stark choice in this ballot. They could either sit back and wait for these cash-led maintenance cuts to lead to another major disaster on Britain’s railways or they could vote to take action to stop the attack on rail safety.”

Nearly 150 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion opposing Network Rail’s plans.