RMT enjoys recognition successes

The RMT rail union has signed two new voluntary recognition agreements – one for staff on the Heathrow Express high-speed link between the airport and London Paddington, and the other at Grand Central Railways, which will run services on the East Coast Mainline route.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow and Heathrow Express managing director Brian Raven both attributed their deal to the union’s growing membership at the company. Raven claimed that recognition “demonstrates our commitment to ensuring appropriate representation”, and praised the union’s “involvement and positive contribution”.

Grand Central is not a full train operator, but it is to compete with GNER in running services between Sunderland and King’s Cross under European Union competition rules. The deal also covers the other rail unions at the company.