13.07.12
800 jobs threatened by plans to replace on-board shops with seating – RMT
Proposals to remove catering and other passenger services from trains on the new West Coast InterCity franchise have been condemned by the rail union RMT for putting 800 jobs at risk.
Potential changes to the configuration of rolling stock include replacing the on-board shop with 20 additional seats and converting of coach G from first class to standard.
Alstom West Coast Traincare confirmed that it is in discussion with all four bidders for the franchise in relation to changes to on-board catering provision.
The union has begun preparations for a ballot for industrial action to protect jobs and services.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow called the proposals “disgraceful” and said: “We warned that this franchise was being let on ‘McNulty Terms’, where profiteering is rife and customers end up jammed into overcrowded, unstaffed trains and pay through the nose for the privilege.
“The confirmation of the rumours that catering is under threat backs up all the RMT warnings and we will work with politicians, campaign groups and the travelling public to throw out these proposals.”
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