Rail regulator report justifies strike ballot

Rail union RMT demanded an immediate halt to Network Rail’s plans to cut up to 1,500 safety-critical rail maintenance jobs after the rail regulator (ORR) issued a report highlighting its concern over the company’s maintenance restructuring plans, due to be introduced next month. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said the report “completely justifies the union’s decision to ballot members for strike action to defend rail safety and their jobs.” This month members voted by 77% for strike action.

The ORR report focuses on the company’s failure to carry out practical tests on the cuts plans; specific concerns on continuing problems on the West Coast Mainline where the bulk of the job cuts are targeted; reductions in safety-critical working hours; and cutting back on safety lookouts and safety briefings.

Although the ORR’s chief executive Bill Emery said he supported the changes in principle, he warned the company: “We will have no hesitation in taking immediate action if safety to passengers or employees is put at risk.” He urged Network Rail to resolve all the issues identified before implementing the maintenance restructuring, of which the 1,500 job cuts are a part.