
6 October 2020
RMT Press Office:
RAIL UNION RMT has welcomed the fact that 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, has received widespread support from MPs.
RAIL UNION RMT has welcomed the fact that 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, 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 losses. 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:
“The Government cannot 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.”
ENDS.