A NATIONAL rail strike ballot is looming as the government demands companies make 10 per cent cuts in spending and lengthy negotiations are going nowhere.
Unions have been in talks since June over plans to reduce costs in the industry. While broad voluntary redundancy schemes have been introduced, negotiations have taken place under an agreement to rule out forced job cuts until 31 December. Pay rises are also yet to be agreed, with inflation rising rapidly.
Train operators have been told by the government to find savings in revised business plans while protecting services. With large fixed costs in rolling stock and rail access, cutting staff or reducing terms and conditions remains a probable target.
Subscribe
Click here for a secure way to sign up, you will be supporting independent news. Click the button below.
Your Opinions
Disagree with this article? why not write in and you can have your say? email us