Posted 28th January 2022 | 2 Comments
RMT launches campaign to boost train catering
THE RMT has voiced fears that train catering is increasingly under threat, even while passengers are returning to the railway.
The union surveyed more than 1000 catering staff, and the responses suggest that 85 per cent are worried that catering services are set to be cut back further.
There has already been a significant reduction in catering services since privatisation 25 years ago. Nearly all restaurant areas on trains have been abolished, and the traditional buffet counter is also tending to disappear in favour of trolleys.
The RMT said further reductions in catering risk 'permanently pushing passengers away from the sustainable rail network', and claimed 'short-sighted and regressive cuts are being planned', which would also have implications for jobs.
General Secretary Mick Lynch said: 'For all the talk from politicians and company bosses of making the post Covid railway more attractive, this survey of staff who actually deliver a key service shows that workers believe damaging cuts are on the way. These latest possible cuts mean you will be waiting longer for a cup of tea or sandwich or you might not even get one at all. As importantly, rail caterers are passenger assistance professionals. They provide advice and provide extra support and safety assurance.
'As our survey shows, rail caterers know that these cuts are about cutting costs, not improving the service for passengers. We should be expanding, not cutting, rail catering and bringing all provision in-house. Rail catering should be the norm, not an exception.'
The Rail Delivery Group said: 'It is important that the rail industry does not take more than its fair share from taxpayers, which means getting people back on board and running the network efficiently. On many services, having on-board catering is one piece of the jigsaw of attracting passengers back as part of the overall on-board experience.'
Reader Comments:
Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.
Paul H, Lewisham
The removal of the buffet cars on long distance Great Western services was a real error. The current offering is truly pathetic and often not available.
The buffet car was superior in every way. People looked forward to getting up and walking to the car.
John Harper, Kelso
It was Virgin that down graded Silver Service to lite meals. On Italian expresses there is the option for First class passengers to buy a real meal. I would be happy to return to the quality of service GNER supplied. Alcohol with the complementary lite offer should be for purchase. With full meals available to purchase at restaurant prices. The key markets should be on trains with a journey time in excess of 3 hours . Pre booked meals could be ordered at £40 per head in advance for a starter, main, cheese and a desert, with coffee, alcohol available to purchase Not every train but ones at luch and dinner times. Breakast is the exception but again for £10 one could complment the free offer at time of booking for a much more substantial meal.