'FGW train drivers balloted for strike action', from the London Evening Standard

[whole diary]

[The SprinterMeister]

Regarding the ballot, I think you will find the drivers are more switched on than to randomly vote for a walk out regarding MFA issues which appear to be depot specific rather than a general issue at FGW^▸ (First Great Western). There have not been any significant issues locally, although I accept they happen at other locations within FGW. Bear in mind any strike days held during November will adversley effect the 4 weekly pay period immediately prior to Christmas.

I have my own particular view on this, which I will gladly discuss with the Full Time Officer but not on here for the time being.
 

[12hoursunday]

Having not been on this forum I have been trawling through old posts and came across this one.
The only people who need to worry about MFA are the ones that are continuously taking the ppppp@*s out of the company and their generous sick pay scheme. I had 4 weeks off in the spring due me being hospitalised after an abcess devloped on me leg. Seeing it was my first period of absense for around 10 years ( and I don't require a medal for that thank you) I heard nothing (except for a back to work interview) which lasted all of three minutes.

Its the DCM brigade and the others who decide for whatever reason to have the odd day off now again who should be looking over their shoulders and I for one commend the management for taking a tough stance on these shirkers.

Joe Public shouldn't be too concerned about any ballots over FGW^▸ (First Great Western) plans to implement the MFA in the future as drivers will not vote for a strike to keep lazy colleagues who stay home regulary while their so called mates pick up the pieces.

The only reason it was suspended this time was because of the threat of a withdrawal of the Rest Day working arrangement. When the company ceases to rely on drivers working rest days then they'll be back after ole sick note and his mates let's make no bones about that!

[vacman]

There is also big unrest with the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) within FGW^▸ (First Great Western), FGW members are leaving RMT left right and centre at the moment because they're fed up with the RMT dragging their heels on so many things, one of which accepting a crap pay deal without consulting it's members!

[Super Guard]

There is also big unrest with the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) within FGW^▸ (First Great Western), FGW members are leaving RMT left right and centre at the moment because they're fed up with the RMT dragging their heels on so many things, one of which accepting a crap pay deal without consulting it's members!

Which Union are they defecting to?  Because last time I checked it wasn't just RMT that had accepted the latest pay deal?  Aslef also on behalf on HSS^▸ (High Speed Services) drivers had too.  Then there are Harmonisation talks on-going too.  I think given the real fact that FGW as a franchise is not making FirstGroup a profit (even though FirstGroup Rail as a whole has made a profit), and given so many people are losing jobs out there, I think what's been offered is more than acceptable.  In my opinion strike action wouldn't have achieved much, apart from antagonising the public, and when you compare the final offer with what was offered initially, I don't blame the RMT or any other union for accepting.  Just my opinion though.

[12hoursunday]

There is also big unrest with the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) within FGW^▸ (First Great Western), FGW members are leaving RMT left right and centre at the moment because they're fed up with the RMT dragging their heels on so many things, one of which accepting a crap pay deal without consulting it's members!

poppycock!
as a rep I can confirm that RMT membership is strong and like a previous poster as said just who would a deflector join? ATCU?

[vacman]

You would be suprised just how many are joining ATCU, enough to start a new branch in one part of the region!