National Day of Action in Support of Public Ownership, Affordable Fares and for a Properly Staffed Railway – On 3 JANUARY 2017

Thursday 17th November 2016

Circular No. National Policy NP/268/16/BO

To all Branches and Regional Councils


Dear Colleagues,

National Day of Action in Support of Public Ownership, Affordable Fares and for a Properly Staffed Railway – On 3 JANUARY 2017.  

Rail fares are going up yet again in January 2017. Passengers are now contributing about 70% of industry funding. It’s a double whammy. As taxpayers, we continue to fund the vast majority of investment in our railways. Meanwhile, private train companies are paying out larger dividends to shareholders (a 21% increase in 2014-15 compared to the previous year), Network Rail’s income from these companies fell by around £500m in 2014-15, and by cutting staff, companies are saving even more money. Enough is enough.

Women passengers, older passengers, and passengers with disabilities have raised concerns about cuts to staffing and services, such as ticket office closures and more driver only trains, and they have all supported our calls for proper staffing. We want a railway that is safe, inclusive and accessible for all.

RMT and Action for Rail are organising a day of action on 3rd January 2017 in support of public ownership, affordable fares and for a properly staffed railway. All branches and Regions are asked to organise an action at a station near them and to use the opportunity to highlight all our concerns.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR LETTING US KNOW WHICH STATIONs, ORDERING ACTION CARDS TO DISTRIBUTE AND CONFIRMING ALL DETAILS IS
FRIDAY 9th DECEMBER 2016.

Please contact B.Oram@rmt.org.uk with details.

Please do all you can to build for these important campaigning opportunities with passengers and the media.

Thanking you in anticipation

Yours sincerely,

 
Mick Cash
General Secretary