Union fights against rail job cuts

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The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union criticised National Express East Anglia for proposing to axe 300 jobs, claiming it will particularly hit help available for disabled passengers and "destroy" on-board catering facilities.

Officials warned there were also plans to cut the number of cleaners, which they said would lead to dirty trains.

The RMT will launch a postcard campaign early in the New Year and will work with passengers and MPs to try to save the threatened jobs.

General secretary Bob Crow said: "In two days' time National Express will increase fares by 6% on East Anglia trains, despite the group raking in huge profits and handing shareholders £40 million in dividends in the first half of this year alone.

"Yet at the same time the company wants to cut more than 300 East Anglia jobs, which can only result in a worse service to passengers who are already paying through the nose for it, as well as a bleak future for railway workers who actually get out there and do the work.

"It is quite clear that National Express is putting the interests of its shareholders ahead of any consideration for providing decent services.

"For a company that promised to enhance passenger service when it took on the franchise that is unacceptable, and we hope that passengers will join us in telling National Express that their rail services are more important than its shareholders' bank balances."

A National Express East Anglia spokesman said: "As any sensible business does, we are continually reviewing the structure of the business.

"We are undertaking this review to give greater focus on customer service and operational delivery. The proposals are currently being shaped through consultation with our people and the trade unions."