Defend Rail Jobs in the North

Wednesday 17th February 2016


Circular No. National Policy NP/064/16/MC

To the Secretary all Branches & Regional Councils

Dear Colleagues,

Defend Rail Jobs in the North

I am writing to invite you to the first of a series of events in the North of England in opposition to the cuts programme, attacks on supervisory and clerical jobs, the introduction of Driver Only Operation and increased casualization arising from the re-franchising processes.

This will take place in the Mechanics Institute, Manchester at 18.00 on 31st March.

MPs and the North West TUC will join us in arguing that there is no basis for cost cutting on the North’s railways. According to Rail North’s own estimates passenger demand for the north’s railway will soar by 50% over the next fifteen years. Despite this, and the clear need for investment, the government has stated that annual subsidy will be cut by £160m, or 53% by the final year of the franchise.

Furthermore, through Rail North there is now a real opportunity to bring decision making closer to the passengers who use the services because Rail North has responsibility for overseeing and developing the franchises on key issues such as train service levels and what station and train staff will be available to assist passengers and protect their safety. This is despite the German state railway winning the contract to operate the franchise, through a cuts driven tender process.

RMT will continue to argue for a publically owned People’s Railway for the North.

Please bring this circular to the attention of your members and work to ensure maximum turnout.

Yours sincerely,

 

Mick Cash
General Secretary