Rail pay freeze "kick in the teeth for keyworkers" says TSSA

Transport union TSSA has written to Rail Minister Chris Heaton Harris after the union learnt that the government plans to impose a pay freeze for rail workers, saying it would be a "kick in the teeth for keyworkers".

TSSA understands that the government has written to all Department for Transport Train Operating Companies and Network Rail saying it will not fund pay rises this year - other than for those earning £25,000 per annum or less - nor any outstanding pay claims from 2020. This will mean a pay freeze for thousands of key worker rail staff – for two years in many cases.

The government is de facto running the rail network and last year handed over £billions to private rail companies, with over £100 million of government bailout money going to private shareholders. Network Rail’s operating grant – set by the government – included finance for pay awards, now apparently withdrawn.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “Slapping our rail staff with pay freezes is a kick in the teeth for key workers from this Tory government.

“The Conservatives were happy to hand over billions to private rail companies and their shareholders, but it seems their praise for essential staff putting their lives on the line to keep our country moving during the coronavirus pandemic is just empty rhetoric.

“It’s one rule for the private shareholders and another for the workers. This government is a disgrace and their actions will blow a hole in the already rock bottom morale of our key worker heroes.”

Ends

The letter is reproduced here in full:

To: Chris Heaton Harris MP

Dear Chris,

I’m writing regarding news of a government-imposed pay freeze for our rail industry, which our union learnt of second hand at the end of last week.

Our union understands that the government has written to all Department for Transport (DfT) Train Operating Companies and Network Rail saying that they will not fund pay rises this year - other than for those earning £25,000 per annum or less - nor any outstanding pay claims from 2020. This will mean a pay freeze for thousands of key worker rail staff – for two years in many cases.

As I’m sure you will appreciate, rail workers have put their lives on the line to keep our networks working during the coronavirus pandemic. They are tired, scared and morale is low.

The government stepped in to run our railways last year and handed over £billions to private rail companies, with over £100 million of government bailout money going to shareholders in dividend payments.

In the case of Network Rail, the operating grant set by the government included finance for pay awards.

Can you please confirm details of this pay freeze direct with us and other unions and explain how it sits with government praise for our transport key worker heroes?

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Manuel Cortes
TSSA General Secretary