THE ASLEF pensions dispute which is disrupting East Midlands Trains again this week is showing signs of worsening, as a second union has now joined the fray.
The RMT is balloting its EMT members for industrial action, and a war of words has also broken out.
The operator's managing director David Horne has described the latest developments as 'extremely unhelpful'.
Drivers belonging to Aslef walked out again yesterday, and services on EMT routes were reduced or replaced by buses. There is due to be a similar stoppage tomorrow (Thursday).
The dispute concerns a proposed reduction in pension contributions, which Aslef has claimed is set to 'cheapen' the scheme.
Talks to resolve the argument broke down last week, although both sides have said they are willing to restart negotiations.
During the talks, EMT said it had also put forward 'updated proposals which would enhance take-home pay for employees and increase their pension benefits,' but accused Aslef of refusing to allow its members to see or decide on the proposals.
Aslef has countered this claim by dubbing it 'even more ridiculous than it is insulting'. The union's general secretary Mick Whelan alleged that the company was 'getting desperate'.
He said: "They have run out of ideas, so they are beginning to hit out like naughty children. Not being members of our union, they obviously do not know what has been communicated. We have communicated with our members by every means available to us.
"This type of misleading attack will only lengthen this dispute. I call on EMT management to try to control themselves and come back to the negotiating table in a reasonable and dignified manner."
The general secretary of the RMT Bob Crow added: “While RMT members will receive a small financial gain from a reduction in contributions it is clear that the biggest winner will be the employer. The RMT believe that the employer’s savings will be in the region of £750,000 per annum. This short term measure could well have serious long term implications for the health of the fund as the volatile financial markets head downwards on the back of the Eurozone crisis."
David Horne of EMT warned that the latest news would 'cause further uncertainty among our passengers, whose services are being disrupted for no reason'.
He said: "The fact is that the pension scheme is in good health and the new pension contributions are the recommendation of independent experts. It makes no sense for the RMT to ask their members to join ASLEF colleagues in striking for less pay and losing hundreds of pounds by walking out."
He added: "If the unions really have the interests of their members at heart, they should work with us to ensure employees benefit from higher take-home pay and increased pensions benefits. We would urge RMT members to vote against strike action and press their union to get back round the negotiating table."
The RMT ballot for strikes 'or action short of a strike' closes on 31 May.