Thank you for contacting me about industrial action on the railway network.
Like you, I am deeply frustrated by the large-scale industrial action we have seen on our railways. I know the impact this has on you and others across the country going about their daily lives.
Given that the Government stepped in and supported the railway industry with over £30 billion – equivalent to £1000 for every household in the UK and £300,000 per rail worker – to keep trains running through the pandemic and ensure that key workers could keep moving, it is extremely disappointing that the unions opted to carry out rolling industrial action precisely at the point at which the railways were recovering.
I know the Government recognises the gravity of the current cost-of-living situation the nation faces. But while taxpayers continue to foot the bill, ministerial colleagues cannot support union demands for huge government-funded pay increases.
It is disappointing that the unions resorted to industrial action rather than focus on meaningful talks to find a resolution.
Network Rail and the Train Operating Companies have both made offers of a pay rise to rail workers and this demonstrates it is completely incorrect for the unions to claim that pay is being frozen. The offers are a step towards the modern, reliable and resilient railway the Government wants to deliver which grows revenue and puts the industry on a sustainable financial footing. However, pay rises can only be afforded if the industry modernises and reforms its outdated working practices.
Minimum service levels
As promised in the 2019 manifesto, the Government will shortly introduce a Bill to take the power to ensure that vital public services, broadly similar to the list set out in the 2016 Trade Union Act, will have to maintain a basic function and deliver minimum service levels during industrial action, where voluntary levels are not agreed.
The legislation will ensure that specified services - which could include healthcare, rail, fire and border security - cannot shut down completely when workers strike, in order to maintain critical and in many cases life-saving services. While the Bill passes through Parliament, the Government will also consult on the adequate level of coverage from ambulance, fire and rail services that should be guaranteed during a time of strike.
If the employer and trade union in question are unable to reach agreement on minimum service levels, the independent Central Arbitration Committee to make a determination on their behalf.
It is important to note that this legislation is designed to deliver improvements in the medium to long term rather than deal with the industrial action the country is currently experiencing. Moreover, this legislation is designed to improve the service that passengers receive on strike days, but will not itself prevent strike days.
I will continue to engage with colleagues on this matter.
Train operating companies' profits and reform
It is important to note that train operating company profits can vary dramatically from company to company and year to year. Moreover, a net total of £645 million was invested by private companies during 2020/21, including £143 million invested in stations.
Sunday rest days and reforms
Sunday working is voluntary on most of the railway network and I share concerns about the impact of this on services. I know the Government's vision is a long-term transformation to a modern and efficient seven-day railway, where services align with demand and adapt to shifting patterns of travelling and rail freight.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
January 2023