Rail staff strike over holidays

Two rail unions have warned there will be disruption to c2c services next week if a planned 24-hour strike in a row over holidays goes ahead.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said 130 retail staff will walk out next Monday.

National Express-owned c2c operates trains between London and Essex.

A c2c spokesperson said it was disappointed the strike had been called but said a full service would operate.

'Decent thing'

The unions claim workers only receive 22 days' leave even though they are entitled to 28 and are only paid on bank holidays if they work.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "The company is well aware how strongly our members feel on this issue and that it is completely out of step with the times.

"If c2c wants to avoid a strike it should concede a simple and straightforward 28 days' leave, rather than hiding behind ever-more complex devices to avoid it."

Gerry Doherty, leader of the TSSA, said the union finds it extraordinary that staff have to strike to get paid for bank holidays and said National Express should do the "decent thing" before action takes place.

But the c2c spokesperson said the firm remained willing to take part in a dialogue on the matter.

"In the event of this industrial action taking place, this will not affect the services we provide for our customers and c2c will continue to operate a full, scheduled train service," he said.

Retail staff includes ticket collectors, revenue protection staff, and some ticket sales staff.

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