Virgin East Coast rail workers are to be ballot on strike action over the sacking of a colleague in Edinburgh.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union has confirmed that nearly 1,400 members will be balloted after a CSA at Edinburgh was dismissed following a disciplinary matter regarding a missing Kindle on a train he was working on.
The union claims the disciplinary process was "deeply compromised".
It will distribute voting papers to staff on Monday, October 12. The ballot will close on Tuesday, October 27.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “This flawed dismissal is a gross injustice based on no evidence whatsoever and should be overturned immediately. This union will not sit back while our members are fitted up and dealt with in this disgraceful fashion.
“We have no option but to begin balloting across Virgin East Coast from Monday for both strike action and action short of a strike. The union remains available for talks.”
A Virgin East Coast spokesman said: "We're disappointed by the announcement of a ballot by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union as negotiations with them are still ongoing.
"We do not believe action is necessary and continue to discuss this issue with the union to avoid any disruption to customers."
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