Unions say staff need time away from their workstations

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union, is holding the ballot for 175 signallers and support staff.

The row is about single rosters for staff at Madeley Junction, Shropshire.

Network Rail said it was disappointed by the ballot and would continue to hold talks in an attempt to avert strike action.

Madeley Junction staff held a 24-hour strike on Monday. Network Rail said services were not affected.

Extra responsibilities

The row began when signal boxes at Lightmoor, Cosford and Codsall closed recently and staff at Madeley Junction took on extra responsibilities.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said Network Rail were insistent on going ahead with single staffing at the signal box.

"Network Rail has ignored the need for operators to get adequate time away from their VDU workstations and that is completely unacceptable, not least on safety grounds," he said.

"If they can impose rosters in one box they will try to do it elsewhere and that holds serious implications for our operations members throughout the West Midlands."

The ballot will close on 30 November.

Network Rail said the firm had just completed at �15m upgrade to its systems in the area which would benefit passengers in the area.

A spokesperson said: "We have held extensive talks with our staff and union representatives and undertaken numerous assessments of the staffing arrangements at Madeley Junction.