Jeremy Corbyn and unions call for rail nationalisation
Rail fares have gone up twice as fast as wages since 2010, according to number-crunching by the Trades Union Congress, as rail unions are poised for more strikes over service cutbacks.
Data shows fares have increased 24.7 per cent overall in the last six years, while average wages have only increased by 11.8 per cent.
However, the TUC analysis reveals fares have increased at a smaller rate each year, with wages growing faster than fares in 2015 and the first half of 2016. Numbers for this year only cover regulated services.
The TUC adds that dividends for shareholders in private rail firms have grown 21 per cent, from £183 million in 2013/14 to £222 million 2014/15.
The government is understood to be planning another hike in rail fares for the coming year.
Today’s analysis was released as Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn participated in an ‘Action for Rail’ day outside London Bridge Station, led by the TUC and rail unions TSSA, RMT, ASLEF and Unite.
The government is understood to be planning another hike in rail fares for the coming year.
‘Rail passengers are paying more and getting even less,’ said Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC. ‘Fares go up while trains remain overcrowded, stations are unstaffed, and rail companies cut the guards who ensure journeys run smoothly and safely.’
She added:
‘Enough is enough. It’s time for rail services to be publicly owned, saving money for passengers and taxpayers alike.’
Talks between RMT and Southern Rail broke down yesterday, after Southern said it would go ahead with plans to remove guards from trains. RMT suspended a five-day strike last week after three days to go back to negotiations, but more strikes are now likely.
See: Murdoch’s Times says Southern Rail is too soft on trade unions
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3 Responses to “Rail fares grow twice as fast as wages since 2010, says TUC”
Corbyn backs nationalising the railways on transport day of action – Hub Politic
[…] The Labour leader promised to take back rail franchises at the earliest possible opportunity and would encourage the Scottish Government to do the same, as trade unions come together for a day of action on railways today. […]
CR
Yep. Most reading that article will be thinking – “Good, but where’s the detail? Where is the meat and potatos?”
Let’s have the outline plans for an integrated UK-wide public tansport system !!!
Rail staff vote 70 per cent for strikes over ticket office closures | Left Foot Forward
[…] demonstration was held today on London Bridge organised by rail unions’ ‘Action for Rail’ […]