FIGHTING MCNULTY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/aug 2014 :: RMTnews 6 RMT has launched a campaign to stop the destruction of jobs, services and safety on Northern Rail and Trans Pennine Express in the wake of a government franchising ‘consultation’ that would rip the two franchises to shreds in the name of maximising private profit. The union has met with local MPs to push support for Early Day Motion 174 as part of the drive to protect rail services across the region from a co- ordinated attack unleashed by the government. Meetings, protests and other activities, backed up by the production of campaigning materials are already underway and will escalate to inform the travelling public of the full facts about what the government plans would mean in practice which include: • Driver Only Operation • Reduced ticket office opening times • Job cuts • Possible “alliancing” between franchisees and Network Rail • Fare increases RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash said that RMT was setting out what politicians and the public can do to assist the fight to stop the wholesale destruction of the railways. “The full force of the government’s McNulty cuts programme is to be unleashed on Northern and Trans Pennine Express in an exercise that would slash jobs, destroy safety and axe ticket offices and other passenger services while allowing fares and profits to soar through the roof. RMT is gearing up for a political, industrial and public campaign to stop this act of savage vandalism to rail services across the north and into Scotland dead in its tracks,” he said. This latest manifestation of the McNulty agenda comes following news that Northern Rail’s current shareholders, SERCO and Abellio, have parted company over a joint bid for the new franchise due to come on stream in 2016, once more highlighting the deep crisis of the dysfunctional rail franchising system. “Immediate plans should be put in place for a public takeover of Northern Rail, similar to the public rescue of East Coast Mainline, as the only way of preventing a total collapse which the taxpayer will be expected to clear up. “The only solution to this on-going scandal on our railways is public ownership,” said Mr Cash. FIGHTING Union launches campaign to halt the ‘destructive’ McNulty agenda being imposed by the government in the North of England SAVE JOBS, SERVICES AND SAFETY ON NORTHERN RAIL AND TRANS PENNINE EXPRESS Government proposals for rail services in the north will mean cuts to funding, fare rises, service and timetable cuts. Passenger service and safety will be worsened by the introduction of driver only operation, the sacking of train guards/conductors, station de-staffing and ticket office closures. The government are seeking your views – please send this FREEPOST card to oppose rail cuts and fare rises and we will send it onto the government. Ticket Offices Closed Station Staff Cut Fare Rises Guards Sacked Service Cuts SAVE YOUR RAILWAY!