RMT on 'war footing' in response to workforce cutback threats

摘要

The RMT union has told Network Rail and train operators that it has moved to a "war footing" over planned service and workforce cutbacks. The warning follows new timetable proposals made by South Western Railway and ScotRail to reduce service levels on some routes where demand remains substantially lower than before the pandemic. Meanwhile, Network Rail, the industry's largest employer, opened a voluntary severance scheme for those in management grades on August 10 (RAIL 938). Its implementation follows the signing of an Enabling Framework Agreement in June that commits NR, train operating companies and trade unions to exploring ways to cut operating costs on the railway (RAIL 934). With passenger numbers at approximately 60% of pre- pandemic levels, it is estimated that the industry faces a funding gap of around £2 billion a year.