RMT slams Network Rail cuts after redundancies announcement

The company which supplies services to Network Rail has said that due to a reduction in workbank volume they will have to undertake a reorganisation leading to 42 job losses.

The 42 roles proposed to be made redundant are within the Rail Systems Alliance Scotland (RSAS) and are located at Cadder Depot. 

The reduction of work has come about due to Network Rail having its funding cut over the next five years, in what is called Control Period Seven. (CP7)

RMT general secretary , Mick Lynch said: “This is a hammer blow to our members, doing vital work supporting the renewal of rail infrastructure.

“The decision by Babcock Rail is part of the knock on effects of government funding cuts to Network Rail and is totally unacceptable.

“If sufficient funding is not made available, it is inevitable that moves to make further job losses will take place.

“The decision by Babcock Rail is part of the knock on effects of Westminster and Holyrood government funding cuts to Network Rail and is totally unacceptable.

“RMT will continue its campaign to vigorously oppose dangerous cuts in railway infrastructure maintenance and renewals. 

“We will resist these latest job losses and we do not rule out an industrial response.

“The Government and Network Rail must act urgently to stress test the rail supply chain to protect the further loss of skilled jobs following TXM plant going bust and must reverse funding cuts that have led to this. 

“These latest cuts underline the the need for a nationalised and integrated railway.”