Rail Firm Denies Union Claims It Is ‘Compromising Safety’ During Strike Action
Written by HFM News on 24th August 2021
The RMT Union has accused East Midlands Railway of compromising safety during Sunday strike action.
But the train operator is denying the claims, calling them ‘false.’
A reduced timetable is in operation until the end of September because train managers are striking in a row over safety, related to trains being used by the company between Corby and London.
The union says staff drafted in to cover the role on Sundays have not had the full training needed to carry it out safely.
Market Harborough railway station
General Secretary Mick Lynch said; “Whilst our members are standing firm in these two separate disputes over contract and safety issues it is frankly appalling that East Midlands Railways are blatantly flouting the most basic of safety standards in a desperate bid to break the strike action.
“No one should be allowed to carry out the role of the guard without the basic safety competencies that are the benchmark of the rail industry.
“Instead of playing these dangerous games that gamble with both passenger and staff safety the company should be getting round the table with us and thrashing out a solution.
East Midlands Railway says it will not enter into further discussions with the union while strikes are still taking place and have asked the RMT to pause them so discussions can take place.
An EMR spokesperson, said: “It is immensely disappointing to see the RMT making these false claims, particularly around a topic as important as the safety of our customers and our staff.
“To be clear, our safety-critical contingency managers are trained to the same safety standards as our permanent Train Managers and Senior Conductors for the routes that they serve.
“Our approach to training and competence management has been fully safety validated and the industry regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), is satisfied with EMR’s approach.
“The safety of our customers and our staff will never be comprised or put at risk for any reason. As we have said throughout this unnecessary action; we urge the RMT to stop these strikes and engage in sensible and practicable discussions so we can deliver a sustainable railway for customers. “
