TSSA vows to protect railway industry jobs

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has reacted to the Enabling Framework Agreement from the Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG) saying the union will continue fighting for our members interests in the wake of the pandemic and failure of privatisation. 

Today's announcement by the RIRG – which comprises rail unions, Network Rail and DfT train operating companies – sets out a number of key principles on discussions about the future of our railways. These include an industry-wide redeployment scheme, re-skilling and re-training programmes, as well as a commitment to avoid compulsory redundancies. 

Manuel Cortes said: 

"We know our industry is under threat as a result of the failure of privatisation and the impact of the global pandemic. Our union strongly believes in public transport as the best and greenest form of transport in the world. 

"The impact of Government-led changes will be felt throughout our industry and our union will continue fighting to protect our brilliant and committed members as we move forward. 

"Our members have been on the front line, keeping our country moving during the pandemic. They are true heroes and deserve to be treated as such. 

"Therefore, in return for extensive job security measures, including a no compulsory redundancy policy, our union has agreed to continue engaging in discussions under the auspices of the RIRG. However, make no mistake, we will not tolerate any compulsory redundancies now or in the future. This is our red line."