RAIL UNION RMT have confirmed that balloting for strike action and action short of a strike on Heathrow Express will begin tomorrow over the unfair dismissal of a driver member and over a campaign of harassment and victimisation against an RMT representative.

RMT rep Liaqat Ali has been subjected to a barrage of unfounded, spurious and discriminatory allegations by management and it is absolutely clear to the union that he is being targeted due to his trade union activities and for being involved in organising a solid, fighting union within the company which has led to major improvements in pay and conditions.

Zahid Majid has been dismissed from employment by HEX after a minor error, which he took full responsibility for, and which has led to the company taking unfair and disproportionate action in sacking him from his job.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said;

“The unfair and disproportionate punishment taken by management in both these cases is a total miscarriage of justice. This is not a situation that can go unchallenged by RMT. Management’s behaviour clearly demonstrates their willingness to victimise staff at the slightest provocation and no doubt they see this as payback for the successful building of a strong and militant union organisation within the company.

“RMT has informed Heathrow Express that a dispute situation now exists between our two organisations and that we will remain in dispute until this matter is resolved to our satisfaction. From tomorrow we will begin balloting of all our driver members in defence of Zahid and all RMT members employed by HEX in defence of Liaqat.

“In both ballots members will be asked to vote for strike action and industrial action short of a strike. RMT has informed Heathrow Express that the union remains available for talks in the hope that management will see sense and take the necessary steps to resolve this dispute.”