Rail staff in strike threat

Mar 28 2009 By Kat Keogh

“Suffice it to say that the facts quoted by the union are incorrect and there appears to be not a shred of evidence to support the union’s outrageous claims. We expect the trade union to behave properly by allowing the appeal process to take its course without further action.”

The route managed by CrossCountry, which stretches from Aberdeen to Penzance, is the UK’s longest rail route.

If agreed by staff at more than 100 ticket offices, the strike would see the closure of offices from Cornwall to North Scotland and from Stansted across to Cardiff.

TSSA general secretary Gerry Doherty said: “CrossCountry is acting like the worst sort of Victorian mill owner.

“It may have been common practice in the 19th century but there is no place in the 21st century for treating staff like serfs.”

Mr Doherty added that the union have set a week-long deadline for CrossCountry to “climb down” or face a strike ballot.