RMT calls for urgent Government action to protect Eurostar

RAIL UNION RMT warned today that unless the Government takes urgent and decisive action the Eurostar operation faces collapse in the wake of the 30 day European travel ban and the total lockdown in France and Belgium. Domestic rail operations face a similar crisis as passenger numbers slump and the prospects of a UK-wide lockdown increase by the day. Vital rail freight services are also struggling due to the massive downturn in international trade and are now cash-strapped.

General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“Eurostar is down to a skeleton service already and action must be taken by the Government as a matter of urgency to guarantee the wages of staff and contractors before the company runs out of money. The situation is dire ‎and only decisive and immediate action can present a catastrophic collapse. We fear a similar crisis faces rail freight companies.

“With passenger numbers falling like a stone on domestic rail operations, and the looming prospect of a UK lockdown, no time should be wasted in bringing rail services, freight and contractors ‎into public ownership to maintain stability and security rather than risking the domino effect of a series of collapses that would result in total chaos."