RMT strikes at Heathrow Express

摘要

RMT members at Heathrow Express began a 48 h strike at 03.00 on April 29 over proposals by the company to extend driver-only operation and 'self-dispatch' to all stations except London Padding-ton. This follows 'a massive nine to one vote for action covering all grades', according to the union. RMT says that plans by Heathrow Express to save £6m over the next five years would place some 201 posts, or around half of the current workforce, under threat of redundancy. With the evacuation competency of onboard staff to be removed, the union reports that Heathrow Express drivers are 'deeply concerned over the prospect of hav- ing to evacuate a fully-loaded nine- car train without assistance', and that without gangway connections between trainsets 'passengers are being asked to fend for themselves'.