TRANSPORT workers should fight for a 32-hour week, rail union RMT resolved yesterday.

A motion overwhelmingly endorsed at the union’s annual general meeting said workers were faced with “longer hours and more onerous shifts.” Delegates said this was leading to “physical and psychological illness.”

Proposing the motion, Newcastle and Gateshead delegate Iain Minto called for “a 32-hour week with no loss of pay.”

Edinburgh delegate Willy Strang said: “Fatigue is the biggest issue out there. The only way we can address that is getting a shorter working week.”

But others said an overtime culture was making matters worse.

Birmingham delegate Ted Woodley said: “I work at London Midland as a roster clerk. I see the general state of restday working and overtime from all the depots.

“What I find troubling is in the rail industry, where I am, drivers are on 35 hours and guards are on 36 but there’s a deep-rooted culture from the past … of overtime and rest-day working. If every single driver and guard didn’t do rest-day working, the railway would be forced to recruit.”

Central and North Mersey delegate Peter Creaby agreed, saying: “We’re our own worst enemies. We might get a 32-hour week but people will be putting in a lot more.”

Taxi driver Lewis Norton suggested the call was not appropriate for the self-employed. “The only thing they actually have to increase their earnings is to work more hours,” he said.