UK front-line workers take the hit as directors’ pay soars

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“It is clear from the company accounts that despite the fact that there has been a downturn in the use of coal that FLHH are still showing healthy reserves and profits and that a pay rise to keep pace with the cost of living would be a drop in the ocean compared to the numbers on the Freightliner Heavy Haul balance sheet.

“The union also notes that Directors’ pay has shot up by nearly 30% over a year showing that it is only the front-line workforce being expected to take the hit.

“RMT is aware that the company are also putting safety at risk by training scab managers – production managers and movement inspectors – on a very short course in shunting compressing a normal 5 week course down to 3 days in an effort to break any future action.

“The union is calling for a fair pay increase that stops our members taking a hit on their standard of living. It is clear that a reasonable increase is affordable and that is what our members are fighting for. The union remains available for talks.”