12.06.17
RMT calls for urgent talks after Grayling retains job at DfT
Transport secretary Chris Grayling has held on to his position in the cabinet as Theresa May reshuffled her cabinet following the Tory’s disappointing election result last week.
Though the Conservatives remain the biggest party in the Commons, Labour made a number of key gains to stop May achieving a crucial majority, leading her to form a working alliance with the DUP to get the seats required to form a government.
In his constituency of Epsom & Ewell, Grayling won his seat by a margin of 20,475, picking up 35,313 votes – a total of 59.6% of the total ballots cast.
The announcement of Grayling’s return to the cabinet has been met with a call to hold an urgent meeting with union the RMT about cuts, safety and service, and in particular the move to driver-only operated trains.
“Despite their protests in the past everyone knows that government ministers have been calling the shots on the axing of the guards on rail franchises like Southern, Northern and Merseyrail,” said outspoken general secretary of RMT Mick Cash.
“With no parliamentary majority to hide behind Chris Grayling should be called to account for his actions and RMT wants urgent talks with a reversal of the guard’s threat, along with the safety-critical cuts at TfL and Network Rail, right at the top of the agenda.”
Cash added that the RMT were “sick and tired” of ministers ignoring their transport staff and “treating the unions like dirt”.
“They have connived to prop up greedy, failing rail companies, doling out austerity cuts that threaten public safety while protecting private profit,” he argued. “Chris Grayling has not lifted a finger to help resolve the guards' disputes to date. The idea that this nonsense can continue after last Thursday is ludicrous.”
Top Image: David Mirzoeff PA Wire
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