Post by Kim on Sept 28, 2003 23:14:09 GMT -5
Heathrow Express workers vote for strike action
Press Association
Monday September 22, 2003
Workers on Heathrow Express are to stage three 24-hour strikes in a dispute over union recognition, the train firm announced today.
Members of the Aslef union, which represents just over 100 workers out of a total workforce of 236, will walk out on October 3, 10 and 12, threatening to disrupt the link between central London and Heathrow airport.
Heathrow Express said that although workers had made it clear they wanted representation to be shared between Aslef and a staff association, Aslef was insisting on sole recognition rights. A spokesman said just 41 Aslef members had voted for industrial action.
Brian Raven, managing director of Heathrow Express, said: "For over a year we have worked with Aslef to introduce a consultation and negotiation framework that meets the wishes of all our employees.
"Following our own full consultation our employees voted evenly in favour of representation by both a trade association and Aslef.
"We will pursue further discussions with Aslef to resolve this situation and in the meanwhile we are working on a range of contingency plans that will maintain the safe and secure operation of Heathrow Express rail service for our customers."
The Paddington-Heathrow service, which launched just over five years ago, is used by 14,000 passengers every day. It has never been hit by industrial action.
Press Association
Monday September 22, 2003
Workers on Heathrow Express are to stage three 24-hour strikes in a dispute over union recognition, the train firm announced today.
Members of the Aslef union, which represents just over 100 workers out of a total workforce of 236, will walk out on October 3, 10 and 12, threatening to disrupt the link between central London and Heathrow airport.
Heathrow Express said that although workers had made it clear they wanted representation to be shared between Aslef and a staff association, Aslef was insisting on sole recognition rights. A spokesman said just 41 Aslef members had voted for industrial action.
Brian Raven, managing director of Heathrow Express, said: "For over a year we have worked with Aslef to introduce a consultation and negotiation framework that meets the wishes of all our employees.
"Following our own full consultation our employees voted evenly in favour of representation by both a trade association and Aslef.
"We will pursue further discussions with Aslef to resolve this situation and in the meanwhile we are working on a range of contingency plans that will maintain the safe and secure operation of Heathrow Express rail service for our customers."
The Paddington-Heathrow service, which launched just over five years ago, is used by 14,000 passengers every day. It has never been hit by industrial action.
