London Midland conductors balloted on strike action

LONDON MIDLAND train conductors are to be balloted on strike action over the introduction of security contractors on its trains.

Rail union RMT has confirmed it will be balloting its London Midland conductor members after the franchise operator proposed the introduction of the new security contractors.

The conductor members will be asked about options for industrial action and action short of a strike. The ballot concludes on February 2.

The union said London Midland management had failed to respond to its questions, proposals and suggestions that would have averted the need for a potential breakdown in industrial relations.

In total 523 RMT conductor members are being balloted.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said: “London Midland’s attempts to place external security contractors on board trains with an already safety critically trained guard without agreement with RMT is totally unacceptable.

“Over a two-year period, RMT negotiators offered various counter proposals to the company which were dismissed out of hand every time or regretfully ignored. The imposition of external contractors who have no additional skills or powers of authority to remove unruly passengers or fare dodgers is something we are totally opposed to.

“Our members are fearful that even minor issues will escalate out of control particularly when these security contractors don’t have the appropriate training, skills or knowledge for working within a focused customer service environment like our members do.”

He said the union had been left with no option but to ballot for industrial action to ensure the management recognised the concerns of its members.

Mr Cash said the union remained available for “meaningful and constructive talks” with management.

London Midland said it was disappointed by the decision and said the security contractors were proposed to provide extra support for the conductor.

It said the contractors would be looking out for things like fare evaders, smoking on trains and anti-social behaviour.

It claimed the changes were in reaction to feedback from front-line staff and passengers and was in no way an attempt to ease out conductors from its trains.