Virgin Trains’ West Coast Main Line services could face further disruption in the spring as union leaders refuse to back down in a dispute about new working arrangements.
According to the Times, while leaders of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) want to return to the negotiating table, staff belonging to the Rail Maritime Transport (RMT) union are considering a ballot on industrial action.
TSSA members have already staged three rush-hour walkouts.
The dispute was prompted by Virgin Trains’ plans to introduce new technology into its West Coast Main Line booking offices.
While the company claims this will improve customer service, and has pledged not to cut staff numbers, the unions have predicted job cuts.
Discussions are also now being held about extra pay for demands on productivity and additional training for ticket office clerks.
