RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2023 :: RMTnews 5 Following the union’s high- profile campaign, the government and the train operating companies completely withdrew its ticket office closure plans thus saving over 2,300 jobs. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was a resounding victory for the union’s campaign and a win for passengers, community groups and rail workers alike. “We clearly need a different route for the rail network that guarantees the future of our ticket offices and stations staff jobs to delivers a safe, secure and accessible service that puts passengers before profit,” he said. The government scrapped plans to close all ticket offices following objections from the passenger watchdogs, Transport Focus and London Travelwatch to such moves in their entirety. An unprecedented 750,000 responses were received by the watchdogs during the public consultation, with 99 per cent of people opposing the proposals. Transport Focus' response even cites the RMT's campaign as generating the large number of responses. Mick Lynch said that the historic victory was clearly a result of the commitment and determination of RMT members to campaign against these plans. “This could not have happened without you - a sincere thank you. “This victory once again shows the value of being a member of a strong campaigning union, let's make sure that as many rail workers as possible are RMT members,” he said. RMT IS THE ONLY UNION THAT: • Mobilised a mass online campaign against ticket office closures as soon as the proposals were announced • Distributed over a million campaign postcards to passengers and set up mass online campaign • Held major rallies and campaign actions at stations around the country • Mentioned by the passenger watchdog Transport Focus for generating a large number of responses • Gave evidence to MPs about the impact of ticket office closures As a result of RMT’s campaign, the government and train operating companies have been forced to halt plans to cut 2,300 station staff jobs. Join RMT. RMT calls on station staff to join the only union that fights for them RMT DEFEATS TICKET OFFICE CLOSURES