Transport for Wales staff who are members of the TSSA union are contemplating strike action, including a potential strike, as reported by Wales Online. The union has stated that “several hundred” members across various roles such as station staff, depot managers, controllers, and customer services will be given the opportunity to vote on industrial action. This decision comes after the union rejected a below-inflation two-year pay offer of 3.5% in the first year and pay linked to RPI inflation in the second year, scheduled for February 2025. The three-week ballot is set to close on October 23, with results to be announced on the same day.
TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment at the situation, highlighting that the company, TfW, did not engage in negotiations on important aspects such as reducing the working week. Eslamdoust emphasised the necessity for a guaranteed minimum increase for year two of any multi-year pay deal, instead of relying solely on fluctuating RPI inflation rates. The TSSA believes that TfW has the opportunity to avoid significant disruptions to the railways by presenting an improved offer that aligns with their members’ expectations.
The union’s stance underscores the dissatisfaction among staff members regarding pay and working conditions, prompting the decision to consider industrial action as a last resort. With the ballot underway, TfW faces the possibility of disruption to its services should the majority of TSSA members vote in favour of strike action. The outcome of the ballot will be closely monitored by stakeholders within the transport sector and the wider community.
For more news and updates on politics in Wales, interested individuals can subscribe to the WalesOnline newsletter. The evolving situation between Transport for Wales and TSSA underscores the ongoing challenges faced by workers in various industries, highlighting the importance of fair pay and working conditions. The outcome of the ballot and subsequent actions taken by both parties will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the transport sector in Wales and beyond.