Menu
11/09/2009
RMT Calls For Halt To Job Losses At Network Rail
Rail union RMT has called for a halt to job losses at Network Rail after new information supplied by the company revealed that 2549 maintenance jobs are now under threat – a significant increase on the 1800 confirmed by Network Rail two weeks ago.
RMT are warning that the planned jobs cull, which represent nearly 20% of the current workforce, would represent a massive danger to the travelling public and would create the conditions for a repeat of the Potters Bar and Hatfield disasters as essential maintenance work is hacked back.
Figures given to RMT show that Network Rail currently employs 12,995 staff with 1,233 sub-contractors working on maintenance jobs. 1816 direct employees are under threat but, in addition, 733 contractors posts have now been added to the job cuts package.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: "These shocking figures now expose the full extent of the jobs massacre that’s being planned by Network Rail and would leave essential maintenance works cut to ribbons with potentially lethal consequences for the travelling public.
"While we welcome government initiatives on High Speed Rail and electrification those programmes will require more track staff not less and would be compromised by the job cuts that Network Rail are now proposing.
"The combination of maintenance cuts, and the deferral of 28% of the track renewals work which Network Rail has already bundled through, is a dangerous cocktail that creates the conditions for potential disaster on the railways."
(CD/KMcA)
RMT are warning that the planned jobs cull, which represent nearly 20% of the current workforce, would represent a massive danger to the travelling public and would create the conditions for a repeat of the Potters Bar and Hatfield disasters as essential maintenance work is hacked back.
Figures given to RMT show that Network Rail currently employs 12,995 staff with 1,233 sub-contractors working on maintenance jobs. 1816 direct employees are under threat but, in addition, 733 contractors posts have now been added to the job cuts package.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: "These shocking figures now expose the full extent of the jobs massacre that’s being planned by Network Rail and would leave essential maintenance works cut to ribbons with potentially lethal consequences for the travelling public.
"While we welcome government initiatives on High Speed Rail and electrification those programmes will require more track staff not less and would be compromised by the job cuts that Network Rail are now proposing.
"The combination of maintenance cuts, and the deferral of 28% of the track renewals work which Network Rail has already bundled through, is a dangerous cocktail that creates the conditions for potential disaster on the railways."
(CD/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
24 October 2003
'Fundamental review' sees rail maintenance brought in-house
Network Rail has announced that it is to bring rail maintenance activity back in-house, and so unify the operation and maintenance of Britain's rail infrastructure. Today’s announcement represents the "most fundamental restructuring" of Britain’s railway since British Rail was reorganised in 1994, two years before privatisation.
'Fundamental review' sees rail maintenance brought in-house
Network Rail has announced that it is to bring rail maintenance activity back in-house, and so unify the operation and maintenance of Britain's rail infrastructure. Today’s announcement represents the "most fundamental restructuring" of Britain’s railway since British Rail was reorganised in 1994, two years before privatisation.
10 October 2003
Jarvis pulls out of rail maintenance contracts
The rail maintenance company Jarvis – which is currently being investigated following the Potter's Bar rail crash – has announced today that it is to "exit rail maintenance contracts" for "commercial" reasons.
Jarvis pulls out of rail maintenance contracts
The rail maintenance company Jarvis – which is currently being investigated following the Potter's Bar rail crash – has announced today that it is to "exit rail maintenance contracts" for "commercial" reasons.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
