Vote on Heathrow Express strike
06th June 2009
Workers on the Heathrow Express are threatening a strike to reinstate a driver they say was unfairly dismissed.
Omono Edokpayi handed Heathrow Express his notice to start a new job - but when the role fell through they would not let him stay on, it is claimed.
Now the Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) is balloting its members for strike action to demand the reinstatement of the driver.
Heathrow Express said it is in discussions to find a solution.
But union general secretary Bob Crow said Heathrow Express was "riding roughshod" over employment procedures.
He said: "We are demanding the full reinstatement of Omono Edokpayi."
The union argues that while Mr Edokpayi was not directly sacked, the way he has been treated is tantamount to unfair dismissal.
He had worked on the train for five years and had a perfect disciplinary record.
Potential disruption
The ballot is due to close on 7 July.
The RMT said the strike could last more than one day and would totally shut down the route Heathrow Airport.
A Heathrow Express spokesman said: "Nobody has been dismissed. There is a private situation involving a driver and we are in discussions with local union representatives."
Heathrow Express trains run from Paddington station to Heathrow airport every 15 minutes. The service carried more than 5.1 million passengers last year.
Source: BBC