Workers in Buckinghamshire receive commitment from company
Unite members at Gemini rail maintenance company, based in Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, have called off further strikes after receiving reassurances from the company and a change to the policy that meant staff could not be represented by their trade union in grievance meetings.
Up to 60 staff had walked out earlier this month when the company had refused to allow workers to be represented by their Unite workplace rep over a long standing pay grievance as he was also attempting to raise his own grievance for loss of pay. 
Following strikes and continued negotiation by Unite and its members, the company has reversed its decision and committed to allowing union reps in all grievance meetings.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
"I'm delighted our members have won this hard earned victory in a dispute that should never have occurred. Trade union representation in grievance meetings is the bread and butter of union work. Gemini brought this dispute on themselves with their short sighted behaviour and Unite members were up for the fight to make their point heard."
 
Unite regional officer Tan Rashid added:
"We will be holding Gemini to their word over grievance meetings going forward and our members will be pleased to hear that progress has been made on their long standing pay concerns. This dispute shows the power in being a member of a union."
 
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