The RMT Union has announced that contracted caterers are set to take 2 days of strike action from this Thursday over pay, pensions and sick pay.

Members working for Rail Gourmet on TransPennine Express services get lower pay that colleagues direct employed by the train operator, according to the union.

There have been reports that TPE have training staff to stop the strike, paying them a reported £25 an hour – more than the Rail Gourmet staff earn

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Greedy rail contractors have for too long exploited our members and Rail Gourmet is no exception.

“Despite making more than a million pounds in profit, Rail Gourmet are refusing to offer staff a decent pay rise, sick pay or a good pension.

“Rail Gourmet staff wear the same uniform and work just as hard as directly employed TransPennine Express workers.

“Yet they earn considerably less and will be left in poverty in retirement all because TPE contract out their catering services.

“TPE bosses have also taken the disgraceful decision to begin training scab labour at an hourly rate more than double what Rail Gourmet staff currently earn.

“RMT will not rest until we achieve a reasonable settlement on pay, pensions and sick pay. And our members are fully prepared to take further industrial action if necessary