Conrad LandinThis is the last article you can read this month
You can read more article this month
You can read more articles this month
Sorry your limit is up for this month
Reset on:
Please help support the Morning Star by subscribing here
DODGING moving trains is the new reality for rail maintenance workers, a shocking new report reveals today.
Reported safety breaches are routinely ignored by managers and desperate staff on zero-hour contracts are forced to take on excessive hours for fear of being sacked.
Last night campaigners and rail unions warned of accidents waiting to happen as a result of sloppy practices.
The damning report published by the TUC’s Action for Rail campaign is entitled The Impact of Efficiency Savings on Network Rail Staff, Performance and Safety.
It exposes how staff shortages and zero-hour contracts are now widespread and how safety inspections are taking place less frequently.
“The warnings of those who work on the tracks on a daily basis can no longer be ignored,” TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady warned.
Horror stories include night-time staff left on unfamiliar sections of track to fumble with maps in the dark.
Rail staff interviewed by researchers at London Metropolitan University voiced concern that safety was taking a back seat to budget cuts and performance targets.
Rail union RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash blamed Tory austerity for a new culture of “cutting corners.”
“RMT has warned repeatedly that maintenance cuts on the tracks are on course to drag us back to the days of Railtrack, Hatfield and Potters Bar if the government and the authorities don’t wake up pretty sharpish,” he said.
Train drivers’ union Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan added: “We owe it to everyone who has died or been injured on UK railways to ensure that rail safety is a reality, not a spin doctor’s catch-phrase.”
Network Rail operations director Robin Gisby said the company would be reducing its use of subcontractors in future.
“Despite this report being based on the views of just five of our 35,000-strong workforce, parts of it echo with our own analysis and give us an interesting glimpse into areas we need to overcome and address,” he said.
“We are very appreciative of the ongoing, constructive dialogue with our trade unions about improving the safety and productivity of these essential and skilled workers.”
