The RMT has called its 70 members at Manchester Piccadilly who work for Avanti West Coast out on strike again, in a dispute over the allegedly unfair dismissal of one of their colleagues.
The 24-hour walkouts are set to be staged on 1 and 29 August, and again on 10 October.
The union has claimed that the dismissal had been based on ‘anonymous accusations’. An appeal to reverse the decision has failed.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that it was ‘extremely disappointing to sack a worker who had clearly been the victim of a toxic workplace culture which encouraged anonymous and unsubstantiated complaints’.
He continued: ‘This member has been made a scapegoat for multiple management failings, including the company's inability to manage its employees to an acceptable standard within the workplace.
‘This union is sending the clearest possible message to Avanti West Coast that there will be no let-up until this unfair dismissal is overturned and the issues at the heart of this dispute are resolved.’
Avanti West Coast said: ‘Following receipt of a number of allegations through our confidential whistleblowing process concerning conduct at Manchester Piccadilly station, we carried out a thorough internal investigation, which has now concluded.
‘It is deeply disappointing that the RMT has continued to pursue industrial action that commenced while the matter was still under investigation, despite the completion of that process.
‘We remain focused on delivering a reliable service for our customers. If further strike action goes ahead, there will be no impact on our train services to and from Manchester Piccadilly. We have comprehensive contingency plans in place to ensure trains continue to operate normally and that customers receive the support they deserve.’
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