By TransPennine conductors go on strike over pay row
Communters have been warned about disruption to their journeys as conductors for TransPennine express are taking strike action across Northern England, including Cleethorpes.
On Sunday 13 February, conductors working for TransPennine express took strike action after they were denied a pay rise.
Conductors on Northern Trains working alongside TPE conductors have reached an agreement for a small payment of 2p for a new method of checking tickets.
After working right through the Covid pandemic and having a two year pay freeze enforced on them, TransPennine Express Conductors requested an increase in pay for working on their days off and on Sundays.
The gap between what they get paid for working these days, and what other traincrew get paid for the same days has seen a significant increase with the workers feeling aggrieved at the unfairness.
Involved in the strike action were conductors in Cleethorpes, who held a picket outside of Cleethorpes Railway Station.
Services between Doncaster and Cleethorpes were disrupted, with many trains being cancelled.
Locals showed their support for the strikers, with one stating: “Good to see workers taking a stand!”
Another wrote: “Blame the company, not the staff who are willing to take a stand against unfair conditions and working practices.”
For 24 hours strikers held their post and will continue to do so for the next three Sundays.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “TPE conductors who kept the trains running throughout the pandemic have been left with no choice but to take strike action after being given a flat NO to their reasonable request to close the pay gap between themselves and other TransPennine workers by bosses who have mostly been at home throughout the Covid crisis.
“To add insult to injury Conductors on Northern Trains working alongside TPE Conductors have reached agreement for a small payment of 2p for a new method of checking tickets. Meanwhile, TPE Conductors have modestly asked for and been refused the same small payment for doing these checks.
“Our members refuse to be treated unfairly and will be continuing with industrial action until the pay discrimination is dealt with.
“The union remains available for talks.”
Ms O’Brien, TPE customer experience director, said: “We will continue to review our strike response timetables and will seek to provide additional services where possible.”
More strike action is expected to take place on February 20, February 27 and March 6.
(Image: RMT)
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