TRANSPORT UNION RMT members have voted by a massive majority for action in a dispute with Serco Docklands over the following issues: -

• Failure to consult over redundancies
• Failure to consult and imposition of new pension arrangements
• Failure to consult over the introduction of new grades
• Imposition of a new roster reflecting altered walking times and spreadover times without RMT agreement.
• RMT claim for a 35 hour working week.
• The victimisation and dismissal of our members Julian Harper and Ian Peavot.
• In the ballot, which closed yesterday (11th January), 162 members voted for strike action with 36 against. 175 voted for action short of a strike with 21 against – an overwhelming mandate for action.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“Management at Serco Docklands continue to show total disregard for the idea of proper negotiation and consultation with this trade union on a number of issues and have also victimised and dismissed two of our colleagues. Our members have shown in this massive vote for action that they will not be bullied and treated with contempt.

“The industrial relations situation at Serco Docklands cannot be tolerated any longer and our members have now voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action and industrial action short of a strike. This ballot shows management we mean business and that we will not accept their disgraceful attitude towards their staff and it is now up to the company to respond positively to our demands for a solution that addresses all of the issues at the heart of this dispute.