Transport Salaried Staffs' Association

Save Our Railways

TSSA's briefing on the government's Command Paper ‘Reforming our Railways: Putting the Customer First’ issued on 8th March 2012

  TSSA Briefing - March 2012

Say NO to McNulty 

The government was to due to publish a its response to the McNulty Report at the end of November. Yet just weeks before this, their proposals were postponed until early in the New Year, allegedly so that the effects of decisions following the consultation on the nation’s high speed rail network can be incorporated.

Interestingly, the statement also says that the government plans to consult on: 

• devolving responsibility for some rail passenger services in parts of England to sub-national bodies;
• issues relating to the review of fares and ticketing announced in May.

The Secretary of State for Transport has also announced that the "ORR expects to consult later this year on possible changes to its role, particularly in respect of future franchises." At the date of this circular nothing has been published.

In the meantime, the Rail Delivery Group, composed of employers (only) from across the Rail Industry published its Initial Industry Plan (IIP) at the end of September. The establishment of the RDG was a recommendation from the McNulty Report and taking this lead, the IIP incorporates many of the Report’s aspirations.

A copy of the IIP can be found at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/iip.aspx and we would particularly draw attention to Network Rail policies around "alliancing" with train operating companies.

On 25th October 2011, TSSA, alongside the other rail unions and the TUC held a 'Save our Railways' rally and lobby of Parliament.

This is the biggest attack on passengers and rail workers’ jobs, pay and conditions since privatisation. We must work hard to influence the White Paper - please get involved.