Train managers to go on strike

4:21pm Friday 29th August 2008

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AN ONGOING pay dispute means 27 out of 29 train driver managers in Wales will go on strike over the next few weeks with around half of these based in South-East Wales.

But Arriva Trains Wales said their services will not be affected by the action.

The group of managers at Arriva Trains Wales will begin a work to rule protest from Thursday, September 4.

Rob Jenks, senior regional organiser in Wales for the TSSA rail union, said the dispute over driver instructors being paid more on an hourly basis than driver managers started in February.

He said part of the driver managers’ role is to assess the competency of train drivers and provide emergency cover.

Mr Jenks said that from 7am next Thursday, the 27 members will not be involved in emergency cover and will withdraw any good will.

The driver managers then plan to strike completely for 24-hours from midday on Tuesday, September 16.

Mr Jenks accused Arriva Trains Wales of alienating a group of managers who he said would never normally consider industrial action.

He said: "The result of our ballot confirms the strong feelings of our members and should serve as a wake up call to the company.’ He said they will still remain open to trying to solve the issue before starting industrial action.

Dennis Baker, human resources director for Arriva Trains Wales, said Arriva Trains Wales services which include those between Newport and Abergavenny and the Cardiff to Ebbw Vale line, would not be affected by the action.

He said: “Arriva Trains Wales has been in discussion for some time with a small group of managers over a pay issue. We will continue to try and resolve this issue.”