RMT Union in talks over rail franchise

A delegation of Senior Staff Representatives from RMT Rail Union will meet the Conservative MP for Carlisle, John Stevenson, to seek assurance over jobs and and services.

There are concerns over the future of the West Coast Mainline after FirstGroup were awarded the franchise. Concerns which have grown due to ongoing legal action after Virgin complained about the franchise process.

Whilst that is decided, the RMT want reassurances for the future regardless of who runs the line.

At the time of the franchise announcement Mr Stevenson actually gave the decision a cautious welcome, saying he supported it if jobs and services were maintained.

The Union and Virgin have been uneasy bedfellows in the past. Just last year the RMT strongly criticised Virgin over the issue of pay for train cleaners. Although it seems the union might now favour a policy of 'better the devil you know' in regards to the future, there have also been calls for a renationalisation of the line.

The delegation will also seek assurances about the maintenance of robust track inspections and no cuts to Network Rail staffing.

First Group have said with the franchise they will expand catering and there won't be a huge cut to jobs, although they couldn't rule out some redundancies.