Wabtec workers in strike vote

Rail maintenance workers at Wabtec in Doncaster are being balloted for strike action over the company’s ‘disgraceful’ fire and rehire plans, Unite said today (May 13).

More than 150 workers are being balloted until May 23 over fire and rehire plans, which will see breaks cut and staff having to work extra hours, including at the end of their shift, for no extra pay.

Additionally, the company is offering a two-year below inflation pay deal if the workers agree to the new terms and conditions. With inflation (RPI) running at nine percent, Unite says this is a two-year pay cut.

US engineering giant Wabtec has told the workers that if they do not voluntarily agree to the changes they will be fired and rehired onto the new contracts.

Unite is further concerned that pressure is being put on the workers to accept fire and rehire. In the last two weeks, members have been called into one-to-ones with management and told they have a week to say yes to the proposals.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “There is no justification for Wabtec’s disgraceful fire and rehire plans. This is a very profitable company but it is demanding that workers work longer for less or they’ll be sacked. This is an abhorrence – it is undisguised corporate greed and we will oppose it all the way.

“Our members are crystal clear that they will not accept these attacks on their terms and conditions. If they vote for strike action, Unite will be on hand with maximum support.”

Wabtec is an international manufacturer and supplier of equipment for the railway industry. The workers at its Doncaster site maintain and repair rail stock, including carriages, wheels and bogies.

Unite regional officer Harriet Eisner added, “Not only is Wabtec pressurising the workforce to accept these detrimental changes, it also wants our members to accept what is effectively a two-year pay cut. Wabtec has pushed our members to the brink with 14 months of bad faith negotiations over this issue and we have no option but to ballot for strike action.

“Wabtec needs to drop these plans and return to the negotiating table with a proper pay offer before this dispute escalates further.”

By Ryan Fletcher