Rail jobs, staff issues and training

07.03.19

Springburn rail depot’s closure confirmed with up to 200 jobs lost labelled a ‘betrayal’ of Scottish rail industry

Gemini Rail has confirmed the closure of the Springburn depot, meaning up to 200 jobs will now be lost in Glasgow, with unions calling it a “betrayal” of the Scottish rail industry.

The rail maintenance company revealed its proposals to close the St Rollox depot in December to uproar from unions and local politicians, who begged the Scottish Government to intervene.

But a spokesperson has confirmed that it is “with sincere regret that Gemini Rail Services announces that severely adverse market conditions means it will be closing operations at Springburn.”

The spokesperson added: “Gemini will continue to work with the Scottish Government and stakeholders over the site’s future use, including the possibility of a transport hub.”

“Our priority now is to fully support our employees.”

First minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “extremely disappointed” by the news and acknowledged that this will be a very concerning time for workers and their families.

Sturgeon stressed that further meetings with stakeholders would take place at the end of the month to discuss the way forward, and said consideration still needs to be given to potential options for keeping the site open.

The RMT slammed the move, calling it a “betrayal of the Scottish rail industry,” and MSP James Kelly said it was time for the government to step in and take over the plant.

Gemini issued the Springburn depot’s closure notice in January. Defending its decisions, the company stated that despite its best efforts, it is “suffering unsustainable losses” which will continue because of a major decline in work due to its services and location.

Politicians urged the company to postpone serving the notice on the depot and backed union’s calls for the depot to be taken into public ownership, stressing the depot’s great strategic importance to Scotland’s transport infrastructure.

During a 45-day consultation period, Gemini’s management and Unite held several talks with the Scottish Government and UK rail minister Andrew Jones, but no action has currently been taken by the government.

Gemini plans on gradually closing the depot, with at least 120 jobs to go before the final closure date of March 2020.

Another MSP, Bob Doris, called the looming closure a “devasting blow for a skilled and dedicated workforce” and also accused Gemini Rail of being “inflexible and uncooperative.”

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

related

rail technology magazine tv

more videos >

latest rail news

Major station improvements and electric vehicle charging hubs

09/09/2020Major station improvements and electric vehicle charging hubs

Following the announcement of Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR) programme to develop numerous stations, today (9 Sept) on World Electric Veh... more >
Contract awarded by Network Rail to strengthen bridges

09/09/2020Contract awarded by Network Rail to strengthen bridges

Three contracts have been awarded by Network Rail to carry out strengthening work to three railway bridges across the Wessex route in the South o... more >
New electric train fleet revealed for Birmingham’s Cross-City Line

09/09/2020New electric train fleet revealed for Birmingham’s Cross-City Line

The electric train fleet set to transform travel on Birmingham’s Cross-City Line has been revealed to rail passengers in the West Midlands.... more >

last word

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

This summer, Arriva Group's CrossCountry and the Scout Association joined to launch a new partnership to promote rail safety among young people. Chris Leech MBE, business community manager at the... more > more last word articles >

'the sleeper's' daily blog

On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

29/06/2020On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

Following an independent audit, Sulzer’s Nottingham Service Centre has been accepted as part of the rail industry supplier approval scheme (RISAS). The accreditation reinforces the high-quality standards that are maintained by Sulzer’s network of independent repair facilities across the UK and further afield in its global network. Rail travel forms an important part of any national transport network for both passengers and freig... more >
read more blog posts from 'the sleeper' >

comment

The challenge of completing Crossrail

05/07/2019The challenge of completing Crossrail

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at ho... more >
Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

04/07/2019Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

The move to decarbonise the rail network involves shifting to cleaner modes of traction by 2050. David Clarke, technical director at the Railway ... more >
Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

02/07/2019Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

Smart electrification is the way to boost clean energy resources, argues Leo Murray, director at 10:10 Climate Action. Contractors are clear... more >
Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

02/07/2019Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

The TCR Midlands conference is only days away and tickets are going fast for the sector event of the year at the Vox Conference Centre in Birming... more >

rail industry focus

View all News

interviews

Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

24/06/2019Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, has told the Today programme on Radio 4's BBC’s flagship news programme that he wo... more >