Wales: Rail signallers strike against management dictation

Cardiff

There are 17 signalmen at the Cardiff box. Eleven of them started picketing first thing this morning (14 December). They were then joined by two coming off night shift, bringing the total to 13 of the 17 members of the workforce on the picket line.

The strike by Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members involves Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot and their associated valleys. It has been called because management are attempting to change the workers' terms and conditions without negotiations. Rosters are under attack and management's plan is to change from 12 hour to 8 hour contracts - which in the long term, could affect numbers employed.

"We're here because management are going for Newport", Cardiff pickets told The Socialist. "The situation doesn't affect us yet. You've got to support them. It's the only way - and if we don't stop this, they will come for us later."

Reporters from RMT News - the union's journal - came down the picket line to take pictures. They told The Socialist: "These men stand to lose £600 for a week's strike action - just before Christmas, as well. The RMT is the fastest growing union and you can see why."

Newport

Striking signals workers were out in force today (16 December) at the picket outside the Newport panel on day three of the six day strike against management imposing new rosters.

Spirits were high as RMT general secretary, Bob Crow, visited the picket line. Management from all over the country as far away as Kent have been brought in to break the strike, but the strike began to bite today with service cancellations on Valley lines.

Yesterday, services were cancelled on the South Wales mainline when Permanent Way workers worked to rule in repairing a broken cable.

Interview with RMT assistant general secretary candidate

Public meetings against cuts in the rail industry

London elections - TUSC: A marker for future struggles

Workplace news in brief

Tube Lines - Striking for equality of rights and against privatisation!

Interview: 'get organised to support workers in struggle'

Strike:

Strike at Sussex Downs College

Come to the 6th annual NSSN conference!

Second strike by Tilbury dockers over attack on contracts

M10: Angry workers walk out across the country

Rail:

East London Socialist Party: Should socialists support the HS2 rail line?

Should socialists support the proposed HS2 rail link?

Debate: Should socialists support the HS2 rail line?

Cardiff:

Health services at risk in Cardiff and Vale

Come and hear TUSC candidates standing in your area

Stop the NHS sell-off - National demo now!

Newport:

Newport Socialist Party: The struggle to defend pensions

Newport Socialist Party: Prospects for socialists in 2012

Newport Passport Office - campaign saves 150 jobs but fight goes on