RMT condemns huge rail fare hikes

RMT press release, issued today

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST rail union RMT called on the government today to intervene to prevent private rail operators hitting passengers with huge fare rises in the new year with some tickets going up by more than double the rate of inflation.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that the privateers and their shareholders were forcing commuters to pay the price of the recession.

“The train operating companies are effectively insulating themselves against an economic downturn while the government wants to reduce rail subsidy by 40 per cent between 2007 and 2014.

“This will only price people off the railway and force them back into their cars and does nothing to meet government targets to tackle climate change.

“This once again highlights the failure of rail privatisation and the need to take the entire network back into public ownership,” he said.

ends

> RMT National News

Wednesday, 27th March
Rail union comments on staff assaults following BBC investigation
Wednesday, 27th March
Rail union RMT members working for CrossCountry to take strike action against de-recognition of supervisory and clerical grades.
Friday, 22nd March
Rail union, RMT has criticised cuts to Network Rail funding following a decision to cut 42 jobs at Babcock Rail.
Wednesday, 20th March
RMT today welcomed the news that the Board of Transport for the North voted unanimously to write to the Secretary of State calling on him to terminate Avanti West Coast’s contract and bring it into public ownership under the Operator of Last Resort.
Friday, 15th March
Contracted out gateline workers at Northern will take strike action on Saturday in a dispute over pay, union recognition and working conditions.