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Last Updated: Friday, 13 May, 2005, 10:35 GMT 11:35 UK
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Staff to strike over ticket row
Guards and conductors working for train operator One are going on strike over the introduction of ticketing machines.
Staff are due to walk out on 21 May and 7 June in a dispute condemned by One as disruptive to passengers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambs and Herts.
Branch lines will be worst hit and many trains will be replaced by buses. Union members want a "one-off" payment for the introduction of new technology.
One sees the new machines as offering better service to customers.
'Improve technology'
The strikes are described as "deplorable" by One who are offering a deal to offset any loss of income from the introduction of the new machines.
They also say the machines are already in use on the Stansted Express and other services.
A spokesman said: "The new ticket-issuing machines offer much improved technology and can issue tickets for the entire range of fares as well as tickets that operate station barrier controls - unlike existing outdated equipment."
RMT union general secretary Bob Crow said: "Other National Express subsidiaries have already made payments for the introduction of these machines, and it is a mystery why One is stubbornly refusing to."
Union members fear loss of income because the machines will slow down revenue collection during the introduction stage.
The company has increased commission by 1% to offset any losses but union members reject this step.
They claim it is asking the workforce to subsidise the introduction of new technology.
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Staff to strike over ticket row
Guards and conductors working for train operator One are going on strike over the introduction of ticketing machines.
Staff are due to walk out on 21 May and 7 June in a dispute condemned by One as disruptive to passengers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambs and Herts.
Branch lines will be worst hit and many trains will be replaced by buses. Union members want a "one-off" payment for the introduction of new technology.
One sees the new machines as offering better service to customers.
'Improve technology'
The strikes are described as "deplorable" by One who are offering a deal to offset any loss of income from the introduction of the new machines.
They also say the machines are already in use on the Stansted Express and other services.
A spokesman said: "The new ticket-issuing machines offer much improved technology and can issue tickets for the entire range of fares as well as tickets that operate station barrier controls - unlike existing outdated equipment."
RMT union general secretary Bob Crow said: "Other National Express subsidiaries have already made payments for the introduction of these machines, and it is a mystery why One is stubbornly refusing to."
Union members fear loss of income because the machines will slow down revenue collection during the introduction stage.
The company has increased commission by 1% to offset any losses but union members reject this step.
They claim it is asking the workforce to subsidise the introduction of new technology.
