Strikes planned in January by Transport Salaried Staffs Association

Date: 29/12/2009

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association union are planning to strike at 14 mainline stations between Euston and Glasgow, it has been reported.

The strikes are planned for January and are expected to cause disruption, according to the union.

However, members noted the strike was being delayed so holiday travel over the Christmas season is not disrupted.

Delaying the strike until January will also allow management to renegotiate plans that the union claims will result in a ten per cent reduction in booking office jobs.

According to leader of the union Gerry Doherty, members are planning to strike to defend their jobs against cuts, which are expected as Virgin trains reduces the number of booking windows in favour of self-service machines.

Strikes are likely to affect stations including Euston, Milton Keynes, Birmingham International and New Street and Manchester Piccadilly.

Mr Doherty commented on Virgin Trains owner Richard Branson. "Last week he talked about flying tourists to the Moon. He should concentrate on Planet Earth and provide an affordable railway where the passenger comes first, not last."