Ninenty Million Pound State Benefits Payment For Train Operator

RAIL UNION RMT today slammed news that private train operator Stagecoach is to receive £90 million a year in state aid to prop up its East Midlands franchise.

The news of the corporate welfare comes as Stagecoach have declared six month profits of £88 million to the 31st October.

The taxpayer-funded benefits on the East Midlands route will be added to £55 million in state revenue support in the past six months for Stagecoach on South West Trains and their joint venture with Virgin.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“The McNulty Rail Review wants to axe a billion from the railways in staffing cuts and service closures while companies like Stagecoach are bleeding hundreds of millions out of the taxpayer in corporate welfare to protect their profits. It’s an absolute scandal.

“RMT will be using this battery of information about the state-funded, rip-off culture of the train operators in our fight against McNulty and in the campaign for the cheaper and efficient option of public ownership of our railways.”

> RMT National News

Wednesday, 27th March
Rail union comments on staff assaults following BBC investigation
Wednesday, 27th March
Rail union RMT members working for CrossCountry to take strike action against de-recognition of supervisory and clerical grades.
Friday, 22nd March
Rail union, RMT has criticised cuts to Network Rail funding following a decision to cut 42 jobs at Babcock Rail.
Wednesday, 20th March
RMT today welcomed the news that the Board of Transport for the North voted unanimously to write to the Secretary of State calling on him to terminate Avanti West Coast’s contract and bring it into public ownership under the Operator of Last Resort.
Friday, 15th March
Contracted out gateline workers at Northern will take strike action on Saturday in a dispute over pay, union recognition and working conditions.