10 August 2017
RMT Press Office:
RMT calls for urgent talks with Abellio consortium as it picks up West Midlands rail franchise.
Rail union RMT has called for urgent talks over train and station staffing after the Department of Transport (DfT) confirmed this morning that a consortium comprising of Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co. Ltd has won the contract to operate the next West Midlands rail franchise.
The announcement means that the current London Midland contract will come to an end this December.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;
"RMT is demanding urgent talks with the Abellio West Midlands consortium over the guards, ticket offices and station staffing. The union has already made it clear that we will fight any moves to de-staff trains and stations on the new franchise and we will be looking to secure assurances from the company before they take over in a few months time.
"On a separate but related matter RMT is aware that the new head of South West Trains has told the BBC this morning that he will guarantee a second member of staff on their trains when they take over next weekend. We will be meeting with the company next week to clarify just what they mean by that commitment and to ensure that the long-standing agreement on guards on South West Trains is adhered to."
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