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London Midland conductors threaten strike action | London Midland conductors threaten strike action |
(35 minutes later) | |
Train conductors on London Midland's service have announced they will take a vote over strike action. | Train conductors on London Midland's service have announced they will take a vote over strike action. |
The rail union RMT said it was balloting its 523 members over the proposed imposition of security contractors on trains. | The rail union RMT said it was balloting its 523 members over the proposed imposition of security contractors on trains. |
The union said the company's move was made without agreement. The ballot closes on 2 February. | |
London Midland said it was "very disappointed" the RMT was threatening action. | London Midland said it was "very disappointed" the RMT was threatening action. |
More updates on this and other stories from Birmingham and the Black Country. | More updates on this and other stories from Birmingham and the Black Country. |
A spokesman for London Midland said the security contractors are there to "provide extra eyes and ears" in support of the conductor. | |
"It is to look out for things like fare evaders, smoking on trains and feet on seats." | |
'No option' | |
He added the staff would not be on every train and stressed the role is to "offer support" to the senior conductor. | |
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The imposition of external contractors who have no additional skills or powers of authority to remove unruly passengers or fare dodgers is something we are totally opposed to." | RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The imposition of external contractors who have no additional skills or powers of authority to remove unruly passengers or fare dodgers is something we are totally opposed to." |
London Midland said the proposed changes were in reaction to feedback from front-line staff and passengers. | London Midland said the proposed changes were in reaction to feedback from front-line staff and passengers. |
A spokesman for the train operator said: "The security contractors are in addition to the senior conductors and have different duties. | A spokesman for the train operator said: "The security contractors are in addition to the senior conductors and have different duties. |
"This is about safety. As we have told the RMT many times, we have no intention of removing conductors from our trains." | |
The RMT said it had been "left with no option but to ballot" after London Midland management failed to respond to its questions and proposals. |