Edinburgh railway food supply workers to strike on Christmas Eve

Railway food supplies workers in Edinburgh are to go on strike on Christmas Eve amid allegations of bullying by management.

The move by Rail Gourmet staff, who work on the LNER line, has followed a breakdown in talks.

Union RMT said the dispute was centred on claims of bullying and harassment of workers, abuse of the disciplinary procedures as well as non-payment of additional duties.

Rail Gourmet staff provide supplies and logistics for getting food on board the service.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The fact that low paid rail workers are being forced to strike on Christmas Eve for basic dignity and respect in the workplace is a scandal and Rail Gourmet should be hanging their heads in shame.

“This is a fight for workplace justice involving a crucial group of staff servicing the catering functions on LNER trains and they deserve to be treated fairly just like any other group of transport workers.

“RMT will not stand back while bullying, abuse of procedures and non-payment for additional duties is rife.

“Our members have voted overwhelmingly for action in an earlier ballot and have shown rock solid support for this fight and it is now down to Rail Gourmet to take this dispute seriously and start talking about a settlement that puts fair treatment in the workplace at the top of the agenda.

“It is clear that the only way we can get management to address these issues immediately is by taking further strike action.”

It is the third day of industrial action in the ongoing dispute.

Members based at the Edinburgh depot have been told not to book on for any shifts that start on Monday.