Rail trade union RMT has called on the Government to provide a financial support package for open-access operators Grand Central and Hull Trains, to avoid proposed job cuts.
Whereas the franchised train companies have received financial support to keep trains running during the Covid-19 pandemic, the open-access operators have received none. Now, both companies are now in a difficult position and are proposing job cuts.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash is demanding urgent Government intervention to support the open-access sector and to protect all jobs at Grand Central and Hull Trains. He said: “Months ago, RMT warned the Government that the open-access rail operators were in need of emergency funding, yet they have received no Government support throughout the pandemic.
“Passenger numbers across the railway remain far below pre-Covid levels, and both Grand Central and Hull Trains are now proposing redundancies as a result of this loss of revenue.
“I have today written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps to demand an urgent support package for the open-access sector to enable them to remain viable and to protect all jobs and conditions.
“RMT will take all steps necessary to protect the jobs and conditions of its members.”
