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UK: Poor pay offer to send GWR and LNER trains off rails

Christian Fernsby |
Trains across England and Wales could be forced to remain in the sidings as Unite members employed by Hitachi Rail are balloted over industrial action.

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Over 300 members who work as technicians, maintenance crews and engineers at Hitachi Rail Ltd are being balloted after they were offered just a 5.5 per cent pay increase - a real term pay cut when inflation is taken into account.

Workers are unhappy at such a low pay offer in the middle of a cost of living crisis when they perform highly skilled roles that are safety critical for the railway industry. Unite’s members ensure that the trains are fit for service and without their work, trains cannot run safely.

The ballot will close on 4 January 2024. Should the ballot be successful, strike action across a number of dates would follow in the new year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is a disgrace that Hitachi is offering such a meagre pay rise when it is reporting huge profits. Its workers not only ensure these profits but also ensure the safety of millions of passengers on UK trains every year.

“Hitachi need to come back to the negotiating table with a fair pay offer that is acceptable to our members.”

Hitachi Rail Limited made £104 million in profits according to its last filings with companies house and its highest paid director earned nearly £1.4million [1].

Unite regional officer John McGookin added: “Our members haven’t had a decent pay rise in years and yet Hitachi continues to rake in massive profits. It’s about time they gave its vital workers a fair share otherwise they are going to head to the picket line.

“Hitachi needs to come back with an improved offer before it’s too late.”


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