LETTERS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2012 :: RMTnews 14 RMT member responds to comments by Lib Dem MP for Berwick Alan Beith in a local newspaper criticising the government’s proposed six per cent increase in rail fares or call the helpline on freephone 0800 376 3706 Visit www.rmt.org.uk to join online JOIN RMT BRITAIN’S SPECIALIST TRANSPORT UNION Problems at work? Call the helpline (Now with two operators) Keep your RMT membership details up-to-date In the light of draconian anti-trade union laws that have been used against the union, members should keep their personal data up to date. It also important to note that in order to keep members informed your union requires your mobile telephone number and email address. Members can do this via the RMT website, telephone the RMT helpline above, or writing to the membership department at RMT head office, Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD. Dear Alan, I note in today's Berwick Advertiser (16-08-2012) your comments about recent announcement by your government regarding rail fare increases. You say, "Britain has the most expensive railway network in Europe, up to 30 per cent more than our nearest competitors". As you are fully aware the most profitable and well run railways in Europe are either state-owned or part state-owned, meaning that money generated does not spill into fat cats pockets at big corporations. Instead it is absorbed and used as investment in that country's rail infrastructure. The UK had a similar railway before John Major sold it off after years of under investment; it was called British Rail. To blame the Labour government for the current problems is disingenuous at best and dishonest at worst. Major sold off the railway and now, as with the energy companies (the rising utility bills you mention being solely due to a mad clamour for profits) it is all about generating income for CEOs at First, Virgin, Stagecoach or whoever. These companies will happily cut staff and hike prices in order to make more money for shareholders. First Group will happily increase fares on the new WCML franchise, close ticket offices, cut swathes of staff at stations and on trains - given the current economic catastrophe which the coalition continue to try and talk up despite an obvious lack of a Plan B from Osbourne. This cannot be helpful. Meanwhile First will attempt to squeeze every penny out of passengers in order to meet their unrealistic premiums. This is history repeating itself Alan as you have witnessed first-hand on ECML, It is the economics of the madhouse. The McNulty white paper continues to be the single biggest attack on rail workers since Beeching. It completely ignores the primary reason that Britain's railways are so expensive - the privateers and the fat-cats milking profits whilst cutting jobs and services. For McNulty to say we rail workers are overpaid is an insult. An insult to colleagues and other rail staff, an insult to an industry I am proud to work for and shame on the Lib Dems for not standing up to this. As you know East Coast is currently in public ownership following the NXEC debacle, it is being run very well and with no burden on the taxpayer. Is this not the way forward for Britain's railways? Of course it is, and when the West Coast Main Line goes the same way (about the time of the next general election at a guess) - the cries of "I told you so" will be deafening and all those on your side of the house who have refused to come out against this nonsense will be held accountable and will be looking for other ways to fill their time after election day. Many thanks, Berwick Member CON DEMS WILL PAY COME ELECTION TIME