End of Avanti 'long overdue and puts passengers before profit' - TSSA

Rail union TSSA has given its backing to the announcement that Avanti West Coast will come into public ownership as of March next year.

The government is exercising the right to terminate the contract which is currently run by First Trenitalia West Coast Rail (as Avanti), a move TSSA described as ‘long overdue’ and one which will ‘put passengers before profit’.  

TSSA has collective bargaining rights for all station and revenue protection staff and represents many managers in Avanti West Coast.

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: "The end of Avanti on the West Coast Mainline is long overdue and will put passengers before profit. It is something we wholeheartedly welcome.

"Our union has campaigned long and hard for the end of privatisation on our precious railways and this is another major step in the right direction as we move towards a unified, publicly run railway.

"However, this can’t just be about a change of ownership or branding, but better and more reliable services, proper investment, improved safety and decent, secure jobs across the network.

"Our members who keep West Coast Mainline services running must have their pay, pensions, travel facilities and terms and conditions protected as we move into the era of Great British Railways.

"We also need to see track and train together under one accountable public body and a properly funded railway. Any cuts, understaffing and outsourcing would undermine the very benefits public ownership is meant to achieve."