Job Cuts Spark Rows in the Rail Industry

Hampshire’s biggest commuter rail company has announced plans to cut another 180 jobs, on top of its previous announcement to cut 480 positions throughout the company. In the public announcement South West Trains revealed the employment cuts will include, management roles right across to ticket office staff and station staff.

As the largest service provider in Hampshire South West Trains deliver commuter rail services across the London area and throughout the South of England. They are reported to be imposing the cutbacks to lower costs but stress they are not making any cuts to the number of train drivers, station guards and essential rail maintenance levels. South West Trains are also keen to stress that they been be striving to deliver the local community with the same level and number of passenger services but the Rail, Maritime and Transport union is angry at South Wests move and are now calling on the Government to take action. The RMT are also confirmed that it is not ruling out a ballot for industrial action due to the sheer volume of job cuts involved.

The RMT wants answers to why profit generating train company can make over 600 jobs whilst at the same time raising it dividend payments by thirty three per cent.

Published by – Arbil Rail, industry leaders in the hire and sales of quality rail equipment, parts and rail services