by René Lavanchy
RAIL unions this week warned the Government of “another Hatfield” if cuts to the maintenance and renewal of Britain’s railways are not reversed.
In a letter to Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon, ASLEF, the RMT and the TSSA also attacked the “big five” transport companies for raising train fares at the same time as announcing job losses, saying they were being allowed to “cock a snook” at ministers’ efforts to lessen the blow of the recession.
The unions are calling on Mr Hoon to use the Department for Transport’s subsidy of the train operators to order a freeze on service cuts and redundancies across the rail sector.
Rail companies have announced at least 1,500 job losses in the past two months, but are continuing to turn a profit. National Express’ rail division brought in profits of £39 million in the first half of last year.
The RMT is also worried that Network Rail is deferring nearly a third of its track renewal programme starting this year. The union has accused the Office of Rail Regulation of causing a “massive assault” on the track operator’s programme of works by demanding efficiency savings of 22 per cent over the next five years.
Welcoming the Government’s commitment to create 100,000 new jobs, the letter says: “Against this background it is therefore astonishing that the rail industry, which is heavily dependent on taxpayers’ subsidy… is being allowed to announce widespread job losses and are making strategic decisions which will result in further job losses.”
The letter continues: “We have clear indications that Network Rail are managing their renewals contracts, including track and overhead line renewals, in such a way that essential work is being deferred to a later date to achieve short term efficiency savings… It is also vital to draw your attention to the fact that again in the name of efficiency savings Network Rail are cutting the frequency of track inspections and routine signals maintenance.”
“We fear conditions are being created which could lead to another Hatfield, Potters Bar or Grayrigg.”
Network Rail strongly denied that its policy had safety implications. A spokesperson said: “As ever, we will never compromise on safety; to suggest otherwise is scaremongering.” The Department for Transport declined to respond directly to the letter, but said Network Rail was not planning any job cuts.
Train operating companies received nearly £700 million in net contributions from the taxpayer last year, but their subsidy is set to be cut under the Government’s franchising rules.
Company bosses met Mr Hoon last week and threatened to cut jobs and shorten trains if they do not receive further state aid.
