SAVE OPEN-ACCESS RAIL JOBS AND SERVICES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2020 :: RMTnews 5 R MT has welcomed a motion tabled in the Westminster parliament calling on the government to take action to protect all jobs and services in the open-access rail sector which has received widespread support from MPs. Unlike the franchised Train Operating Companies, the open-access operators, such as Hull Trains and Grand Central, have received no government assistance during Covid-19. With passenger numbers remaining lower than pre- Covid levels, both Hull Trains and Grand Central now say they are in an unsustainable position and are proposing job cuts. RMT is demanding that the government intervenes to provide financial assistance for these operators and ensure that all jobs and conditions are protected. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that that government could not continue to sit idly by as the open-access sector struggles with the impact of Covid-19. “It should have taken action from the outset to support the sector and protect jobs and services, as RMT called for. “The government must now step-up to the mark and agree financial support for the open-access operators such as Hull Trains and Grand Central and protect jobs and services. RMT welcomes the support of MPs for these demands. “RMT is ramping up its fight to protect all jobs and conditions in the open-access sector. Workers must not be made to pay the price of this crisis,” he said. The union urged members to contact their MP and promote Early Day Motion 965 which demands action. SAVE OPEN-ACCESS RAIL JOBS AND SERVICES EARLY DAY MOTION 965 SUPPORTING OPEN-ACCESS RAIL OPERATORS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS That this House notes that, unlike the franchised train operating companies, the UK’s open-access rail operators, including Hull Trains and Grand Central, have received no financial support package from the Government; further notes that passenger footfall and revenue across the railways remains below pre-covid 19 outbreak levels; is concerned that as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, Grand Central has announced the closure of its North West Project and commenced a restructure which puts a number of posts at risk of redundancy; and calls on the Government to agree a support package as a matter of urgency for open-access rail operators to enable those operators to continue to operate and to protect the jobs and conditions of all their staff.   RMT’s website also has online petition in support of the campaign.