Union halts strike threat at London Midland

The RMT union has lifted the threat of strike action on London Midland trains after a dispute over the use of private security contractors was resolved.

The union had been in the process of balloting its conductor members at London Midland over the introduction of the security contractors.

However, the ballot has been halted after the train company said it had ceased to use the contractors on January 30.

The dispute between the union and the train company began at the end of last year when the RMT said London Midland had failed to consult it over plans to place the contractors on board its trains.

The union said the move threatened its conductors and also placed passengers at greater risk because the contractors would not have adequate training or powers.

After the company notified the union of its decision to stop using the contractors, the ballot was halted.

The union has also notified London Midland that the dispute between the two organisations no longer exists.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said: “This is a massive victory for our members on London Midland who have supported the union 100% throughout this campaign. That solidarity has been instrumental in the breakthrough secured.

“RMT remains eternally vigilant in the on-going fight to stop the casualisation of rail workers jobs and any moves that undermine permanent staffing arrangements. Safety and security on our trains can only be secured by adequate numbers of conductors, directly employed by the company, working as part of professionally trained and equipped team.”