06.09.12
Further delays for Thameslink possible – RMT
The Thameslink fleet contract could suffer yet more delays, according to the RMT.
The RMT union says that the fact winning bidder Siemens is to pay the Greek government £262m in a settlement of bribery allegations around the Athens Olympics in 2004 is more evidence that the company should never have won the rolling stock contract, which had been expected to be signed off this autumn.
RMT wants “urgent action” to reverse the decision and to give the contract to Derby-based company Bombardier, which missed out on the deal last year.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Theresa Villiers’ parting shot to the UK rail industry was another kick in the teeth for Bombardier in Derby.
“As her and Justine Greening head for new jobs and a sunny future, thousands in Derby and the UK supply chain are left hanging by a thread through the incompetent and ignorant handling of the £1.4bn Thameslink fleet contract.”
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