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Protest planned at Donald Trump's Scottish golf resort after pensioner's perks removed

Alistair Sutherland’s reduced rail rights gave him discounts and free tickets

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
Saturday 22 April 2017 06:49 EDT
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Trump Turnberry sent pensioner Alistair Sutherland a letter in February revoking his reduced travel rights - part of his pension package
Trump Turnberry sent pensioner Alistair Sutherland a letter in February revoking his reduced travel rights - part of his pension package (Getty / Jeff J Mitchell)

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A protest against a decision by Donald Trump’s Scottish golf resort to remove rail travel benefits from a former employee's pension package is set to take place.

Rail workers affiliated with the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) trade union organised the demonstration after Trump Turnberry cut pensioner Alistair Sutherland’s reduced rail rights that gave him discounts and free tickets.

Trump Turnberry belonged to the old British Rail hotel portfolio when Mr Sutherland began working there in 1973 and subsequent owners of the hotel had honoured the pensioner's deal.

But Trump Turnberry sent Mr Sutherland a letter in February stating a decision had been made to terminate the arrangement because the hotel has not operated as a British Transport hotel since 1983.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said the company was "eroding the long-held rights of Troon workers".

"TSSA members are defending more than just their colleague on Saturday, they are standing up for the principle of honouring pension packages and trade union rights," he said.

The Independent has contacted Trump Turnberry for comment however none had arrived at the time of publication.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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