London Midland held a meeting today with the Joint Trade Unions and issued them with a consultation précis document that outlined proposals for the review of station staffing and changes to opening hours arrangements.
RMT released a statement regarding the proposals shortly after being issued with the documents.
The Joint Trade Unions (RMT and TSSA) believe that the company’s proposals are ‘unreal, barbaric, and unbelievable and will have dire consequences for staff and passengers alike.’
The proposals mean that London Midland intend to axe 122 full time jobs and 8 part time jobs in totality. Additionally, nine ticket offices would close entirely and there would be a drastic reduction in opening times at 86 out of the 90 current ticket offices.
The Joint Trade Unions are opposed to the proposal and will enter into an intense period of negotiation and consultation aimed at developing a viable counter proposal that maintains staffing levels, access and quality of service.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“The Joint Trade Unions are disgusted that despite London Midland getting in excess of £260 million in subsidy since November 2007, while at the same time imposing massive increases in fares and returning profits in successive years, they have the audacity to put forward these proposals.
“London Midland are jumping on the political bandwagon of cuts to jobs and services in order to pump up profits and dividends to shareholders at the expense of staff and quality. It is an absolute disgrace.
“The unions are not only concerned about the impact on jobs but also the dire consequences for services and security together with access for older people, those with disabilities and parents with prams.
“We will be meeting with our reps to discuss preparations for counter proposals and a massive public and political campaign to oppose these cuts. The Joint Trade Unions will do all we can to resist these attacks on our important front line station grade members and the services that they deliver to the travelling public.”
