Rail firm’s publicity posters condemned

The RMT rail union has demanded that Northern Rail explain why it is issuing public posters highlighting the safety role of their train conductors while simultaneously acquiescing in the government’s plans for the new franchise which would get rid of the guards/conductors.

The union says that the posters are completely at odds with the recent government consultation on the future of the rail franchise which plans to cut the safety-critical conductor/guard role. The TransPennine express rail franchise and Northern Rail franchise consultation ended on 18 August.

Northern Rail is joining other train franchises in planning to expand “driver-only operation” of trains, increase fares, reduce ticket office opening times and cut jobs.

Mick Cash, RMT acting general secretary, said: “RMT has argued that the conductor/guard role on our trains is essential in delivering both a safe environment and high quality services.

“That position is backed up by Northern in their external publicity while behind the scenes they are conniving with the government to axe those very same staff in the future.

“The whole situation stinks and exposes again that the new franchises are about nothing more than maximising profits.”

Cash said the only solution to “racketeering on our railway tracks” is public ownership and “the return of our railways to the people on the basis that they are run as a public service”.

www.rmt.org.uk/news/northern-rails-own-posters-expose-risks-of-axing-conductors/