Rail pay and recruitment to be frozen to cut costs
Possible industrial action over the loss of railway jobs appears to have been averted, following the publication of an Enabling Framework Agreement signed by the unions, operators and Network Rail. But staff numbers are set to fall and there is to be a recruitment freeze. This document, produced by the new Rail Industry Recovery Group, acknowledges that the number of passenger trains in the May timetable is about a sixth lower than it was in December, although it is is designed to be adjustable in response to ‘variable’ passenger demand.
Train operators are protesting over a government proposal to reduce Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights. The idea forms part of the government’s consultation on aviation tax reform.
An extension of financial support for Transport for London has been agreed with the government after days of ‘extremely tough’ talks. A rail union leader has claimed London is being ‘held to ransom’ by the deal.
Two Pacers made their final journeys on the Transport for Wales network on Saturday, bringing an era to a close during which the Class 143s travelled the equivalent of over five trips to the Moon and back.
The RMT is calling for an urgent meeting with transport secretary Michael Matheson as strikes continue on ScotRail every Sunday in disputes over pay for rest day working.
A new report published today accuses HS2 Ltd of being ‘dishonest, misleading and inconsistent’ in its dealings with people affected by construction of the high speed line. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman highlights the case of one family which suffered from HS2’s failure to ‘properly engage and communicate’ when the sale of their home triggered an entitlement to compensation. It adds that the case was ‘repeatedly mismanaged’. The company has responded by describing the case as ‘historic’, and saying that it has since changed its ways.
The RMT has announced new strike dates for ScotRail ticket examiners, who have joined their conductor colleagues by walking out every Sunday in disputes over pay for rest day working.