Railworkers strike for jobs and safety

RMT strike in Wales, photo SPW

Around 20 members of the RMT union from South Wales and South West England joined a picket line at Corus steel works Margam to protest at plans by rail freight operator EWS to cut groundstaff by half.

Alec Thraves, Socialist Party Wales

RMT general secretary Bob Crow has called EWS's attitude to its staff at Margam as 'nothing short of a disgrace'. This was reflected on the picket line where RMT members taking 24 hour strike action condemned management's determination to cut costs and maximise profits regardless of risk to staff.

Despite the fact that only a small number of groundstaff are involved, the RMT is seriously concerned that by cutting their number from 18 to around half that number would lead to other workers being forced to carry out the arduous and dangerous shunting of heavy steel wagons under unsafe conditions.

Engineering staff at the depot are also being balloted for industrial action as it will be these workers who will be expected to cover the jobs of sacked workers.