Northern: Members to be Re-balloted for Strike Action

We have today notified the company of our intention to re-ballot Northern members on the question of strike action. We came very close to reaching the legal minimum threshold for a lawful strike ballot, and whilst our members can lawfully take action short of a strike, it is important for us to demonstrate our members’ strength of feeling by also delivering a YES vote for strike action.

The ballot will open on Thursday 28 July and close at midday on Thursday 25 August. This gives us plenty of time to allow for the holiday period and to ensure we have the best possible ballot return. The ballot return is crucial, as this is where we lost the strike action vote last time around. Despite a majority of 59% of those who voted supporting strike action, the ballot return of 60.1% meant that we failed to reach the minimum legal threshold of 40% of those entitled to vote supporting strike action. It is vital that you vote in the ballot, as not doing so effectively counts as a No vote rather than an abstention.

Ballot papers should start arriving from Saturday 30 July, so if you haven’t received yours by early the following week then please request a replacement by emailing membership@tssa.org.uk

Have Your Say!

Use Your Vote!

Vote YES!

We are fighting for better pay, a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies and for no changes to your terms and conditions. This about your job in the face of an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. It's about our railway and our future. 

On the back of positive ballot results we have seen industry leaders come back to the negotiating table and take our demands more seriously. Achieving a YES vote to strike action in [company] will send an even stronger message that we are determined to achieve better pay, conditions and job security for you and your colleagues.

Thank you to everyone for voting in the last ballot. We still have an active mandate to take industrial action short of strike. We are discussing with your reps when to use this mandate so please look out for updates on that coming very soon.

And if any of your colleagues are not yet in our TSSA union, please encourage them join today to further strengthen your voice and our hand in negotiations.