OVER A THOUSAND TICKET OFFICES AT RISK OF CLOSURE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2022 :: RMTnews 6 RMT is balloting members for strike action at Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) which runs the Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express airport services. Your cost of living is soaring while much of the rail industry is making big profits. They also want to attack your hard-won conditions of employment. The ballot opens on June 17 and closes on July 8 so don’t forget to vote. RMT has revealed plans by the rail industry for mass closures of ticket offices across the network, with over 1,000 ticket offices at impending risk of closure. RMT understands that government has amended its guidance relating to changes to ticket office opening hours clearing the way for train operating companies to seek to cut or close the majority, if not all, ticket offices at rail stations across the country. Such far-reaching ticket offices cuts reflect the train companies’ goal of slashing thousands of station staff jobs. This will make the railway less safe, secure and accessible and create a ‘muggers paradise’ across the network. RMT has launched a massive public and political campaign to fight any short- sighted and damaging attacks and will be taking our message to passengers and politicians that they need to act now to protect their ticket offices. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the rail industry had made no secret of its goal of closing all ticket offices, and the floodgates have now been opened for an annihilation of ticket offices across the network. “Ticket office staff not only enhance the passenger experience, but they ensure our railways are safe, secure and accessible. Wholescale ticket office closures would be disastrous for passengers and leave our railway deserted. Disabled and elderly passengers will be particularly affected.  “Attacks on ticket offices are solely about cutting costs to protect the profits of the private rail operators and treat passengers with complete disdain. “Make no mistake, RMT is ready to use all means at our disposal to fight any attacks on ticket offices, we will be launching a widespread public and political campaign to protect ticket offices and our station staff members’ jobs,” he said. OVER ONE THOUSAND TICKET OFFICES AT RISK RM act whi Nort airpo ain VOTE YES FOR STRIKE ACTION AT GTR