Disruption to London Overground services this weekend

Strike action by transport union RMT is set to cause some disruption to services into and around London this weekend. It was confirmed today that security and safety staff employed by STM Security Group on London Overground services will be taking both strike action and action short of a strike this Saturday in a dispute over bullying and an attempt to impose new terms and conditions. Spurs, Crystal Palace and West Ham all have home games on that day.

Following a unanimous vote for action in a ballot this month, management have been informed that RMT members will be;

· taking strike action and not signing on for any shifts between 00:01 hours and 23:59 hours on Saturday 03rd November 2012.

· not agreeing to any overtime or shift changes for any shifts between 00:01 hours and 23:59 hours on Saturday 03rd November 2012.

STM are contracted to provide safety and security services on London Overground stations which run close to a number of London football stadiums and which are all on high alert on match days.

Despite several warnings from RMT, it has been reported that management at STM Security Group have continued to bully and intimidate Travel Safe Officer member’s and union representatives and that the threats and intimidation have increased since RMT moved the issue into a formal dispute.

Furthermore, the company are accused of attempting to impose changes to contracts of employment and terms and conditions without any consultation or agreement with RMT. "As a result of the appalling treatment our members have endured a unanimous vote in favour has been recorded in a ballot and this weekend’s industrial action has been called by the RMT executive."

There will be a picket line at Camden Road from 12:30 hours on Saturday 3rd November.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“The bullying and intimidation of our members’ representatives by STM Security is utterly deplorable and represents a pre-meditated assault on this trade union in a desperate attempt to try and undermine RMT’s growing strength on this contract.

“The attempted imposition of new terms and conditions is just another element contributing to the picture of a company that is hell bent on confrontation with its workforce and their union.

“RMT is demanding that London Overground, which tolerates STM as one of its key contractors, intervene to stop the disgraceful activities of this outfit and we repeat our demand for these key safety services to be brought in-house rather than subbed out to these cowboys.

“Our members have shown their determination to stand up to the bullies and union-busters in their unanimous strike vote and the whole union stands with them . RMT remains available for talks aimed at resolving this dispute.”