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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2015 :: RMTnews
15
R
MT activists continue to
hand out thousands of
postcards in the run-up to the
general election, taking the
message directly to candidates
that jobs and services are under
threat from the new franchises
on the Northern and Trans-
Pennine Express routes.
The RMT campaign is taking
five key messages out to the
travelling public:
• Say No to Driver Only
Operated Trains
• Keep Ticket Offices Open
• Keep Stations Staffed and
Safe
• Stop cuts to the Transpennine
Express Network
• Oppose massive fare increases
Activists began the year by
targeting stations across the
North after the government
once more delayed the
Invitations to Tender (ITTs) for
the new franchises.
There is also growing
uncertainties at the Department
of Transport about the current
TPE franchise extension and
problems over the electrification
in the region that look like
dragging on well into the year.
RMT general secretary Mick
Cash said that the government’s
whole franchise timetable for
the Northern and TPE routes
had clearly descended into
chaos.
RMT regional organiser Craig
Johnston thanked branches for
getting out the message across
the North.
“My sincere thanks to all
those who turned up to hand
out postcards to passengers at
Lancaster, Manchester Victoria,
Blackburn, Barrow-in-Furness
and Hexham.
“We obtained some
significant media coverage and
thousands more postcards were
handed out to members of the
public.
“We have to stay focused and
committed to the campaign -
the specifications and
invitations to tender for the new
franchises could be announced
at any time.
“The DfT and Rail North
plans were due in December but
have been delayed and the
pressure is now on them to rush
things out before the General
Election campaigning period
starts around March.
“Irrespective of what the
specifications are we will be
continuing to campaign after
any announcement on
specifications as we intend to
make any proposals an issue at
the forthcoming general
election,” he said.
RMT TAKES NORTHERN AND
TRANS-PENNINE FIGHT TO MPS