- Virgin Trains’ West Coast staff have voted to walk out over a pay dispute
- The RMT union said the plans involve nearly 1,800 staff
- Virgin Trains said it is ‘disappointed’ by the result of the ballot
Rail workers on Virgin Trains’ West Coast route have voted by nine to one to go on strike in a dispute over pay.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said the dispute involves almost 1,800 train managers, on-board catering staff, station and clerical employees.
The West Coast franchise covers services from London Euston to Glasgow.
A spokesman for Virgin Trains said: ‘We are disappointed by the result of the RMT’s ballot, but can reassure customers that we will be able to run the majority of services during any industrial action.
Virgin Trains’ West Coast staff have voted to walk out over a pay dispute
‘We have offered a 3.2 per cent annual pay increase at a time when the average increase across public and private sector employees is around 2 per cent. We remain open to continuing talks with the RMT.’
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘Our members have voted overwhelmingly for action in this ballot which is all about workplace equality and workplace justice.
‘All our members are demanding is a suitable and equal offer to that given to drivers to buy out their claim for a reduction in the base working week.
‘We have made it clear to the company that the inequality and underhanded approach of Virgin will be fought tooth and nail. We will not accept our members being dealt with less favourably than others.’