Rail union baron behind summer travel chaos faces sexual harassment claims from seven women

A RAIL union baron now faces sexual harassment claims from seven women.

Manuel Cortes, who is poised to inflict train misery on millions of passengers this summer, is set to face an independent inquiry to answer accusations from angry staff who have worked for his union.

Six more women have come forward since Claire Laycock went public saying he put his arm around her shoulder and asked for a kiss when she was an organiser for the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association.

The union and the TUC have held meetings to decide the terms of reference of the inquiry.

It is thought Cortes apologised at an informal meeting but could not recall his actions as he had been drinking.

The TSSA said: “TSSA is a full and willing participant in the independent investigation. We want it to start without delay and we hope that it will cover any and all allegations made.”

Meanwhile, strikes could begin next month after thousands of rail workers voted for industrial action over pay and redundancies.

But ministers are threatening new legislation that would guarantee a “minimum service”.