TSSA calls for government commitments on rail jobs as more train companies come into public hands

Rail union TSSA has called on the government to make clear commitments on jobs, pay and conditions as services under the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) umbrella begin running under public hands.  

GTR – which includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, transferred into public ownership as of Sunday 31^st May. 

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “We are pleased to see the GTR services back in public hands after the long harmful years of privatisation. 

“However, as the programme of moving towards Great British Railways (GBR) continues it’s vital the government makes firm commitments to protect the jobs, pay, rights and conditions of all railway workers. That means right across the board – in Network Rail as well as the train companies.  

“Our union is clear – there must be a just transition to GBR because rail workers are the people with the skills and experience to make the new era of public ownership a success.   

“Let us not forget that our rail network is a precious asset – the driver of the British economy and the backbone of the nation. That is why proper investment is so important and why we have raised concerns about worrying cuts to rail spending on infrastructure across this parliament. 

“We also remain convinced that the best way forward is for all parts of our railways to be in the public hands – ending the vast profits made by freight and rolling stock companies. We will continue to make that case to Ministers."

GTR joins West Midlands Trains, Greater Anglia, c2c, South Western, Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern and LNER which are currently managed by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO).