TSSA Comment on the Great British Railways Consultation

TSSA today welcomed the consultation on Great British Railways (GBR) and urged the government to go further by bringing rail freight and rolling stock companies into the public sector.

The railway union said it was pleased to see the Government progressing with its plans to bring Train Operating Companies alongside Network Rail into public ownership under GBR but stressed the need for proper protections for workers.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “After decades of failed privatisation, the Government’s rail reform agenda is a huge opportunity to modernise our network, decarbonise our economy, and create a long-term plan for investment—improving services for passengers and expanding the use of rail freight.

“At the heart of this transition must be a firm commitment to protect jobs, pay, pensions, and conditions for all railway workers. There must be no detriment to pay or terms and conditions as GBR takes shape. A just transition means levelling up pay and conditions across Network Rail and the Train Operating Companies while ensuring a fair deal and a voice for transport and travel workers.

“Through this consultation, our union will make the case for bringing all parts of the railway into public ownership. Freight and rolling stock leasing companies extract profits that could be reinvested to improve services, expand capacity, and ensure a railway that truly serves passengers and workers alike.

“TSSA looks forward to engaging with the Government to ensure this transition delivers on its promises—protecting jobs, safeguarding conditions, and creating a fully publicly owned railway that works in the interests of both passengers and the workforce.”

ENDS

Notes –

TSSA is an independent trade union for the transport and travel industries. We have thousands of members right across the UK and Ireland, working for the railways and associated companies, as well as ferries, bus services and the travel trade.