CAMPAIGNING AGAINST INTER-CITY SERVICE CUTS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2015 :: RMTnews 16 RMT kicked off 2015 with a major campaign to fight plans that would lead to DOO, axing of buffet cars, on-board staff and maintenance workers on Inter-City services while passengers pay the highest fares in Europe. Activists got out the message by handing out protest postcards to send to their MPs at Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter, Paddington, Plymouth and Swansea protesting about the configuration of the new fleet of trains under the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). RMT has been battling against proposals for driver only operation and the removal of buffet cars and their replacement by a trolley service reducing the safety critical operational role of train guards /conductors as well as station de-staffing and ticket office closures. The union has also objected to proposals that could see the loss of skilled safety critical train maintenance jobs as part of the deal. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the union was ramping up of the campaign against cuts to jobs and services on First Great Western on the day that Britain got back to work after the extended festive break. “This government of the rich, for the rich and by the rich now intend to introduce services on Britain’s long haul rail services which would condemn the vast majority to pay through the nose to travel in rammed-out carriages where the catering trolley is jammed at one end while the elite glide through the country. “This move has got the stamp of Cameron, Osborne and the posh boys from the Bullingdon Club plastered all over it. 2RMT believes that all rail CAMPAIGNING AGAINST INTER-CITY SERVICE CUTS New Intercity Express Programme (IEP) Hitachi fleet threatens to bring in Driver-Only Operation and the axing of buffet cars, on-board staff and maintenance workers CARDIFF: Protestors in Wales PADDINGTON: Protestors in London