TSSA takes Matheson to task over Rail Recovery Taskforce

TSSA today (Wednesday) wrote to Michael Matheson seeking urgent clarification over the role of the Rail Recovery Taskforce which the Transport Secretary announced this week.

The TSSA, which represents many essential and safety-critical workers in Network Rail and ScotRail has not been invited to join the taskforce, despite Mr Matheson announcement that it would include staff representatives, as well as representatives from ScotRail, Network Rail, Caledonian Sleeper and Transport Scotland.

The letter from TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, states “our union is already involved in discussions with ScotRail and Network Rail around the recovery of our rail services through the auspices of the Rail Industry Coronavirus Forum. I am unsure how you proposed new Taskforce fits into this or what purpose it will serve considering discussions on the principles underpinning service recovery are already underway?

“Frankly, it will be ridiculous if we ended up with different criteria for service recovery in Scotland and/or for ensuring the safety of our members and the travelling public North and South of the border. If fact, the cross-border nature of many services makes it essential that we use the same principles for passenger safety and service recovery.”