Taxpayer ‘to pick up bill for rail firm’s strike-day losses’
TAXPAYERS may pay a strike-hit rail firm tens of thousands of pounds after it asked for compensation for not running trains.
South Western Railway’s contract has a clause for reimbursement for losses due to industrial action. Rail Minister Jo Johnson admitted that SWR has applied for the cash, a month after dodging a question about it. It comes as the RMT union plans seven walkouts over train guards, including today and Tuesday. General secretary Mick Cash said: “Taxpayers will be appalled to that learn ministers are preparing to pay SWR to not run trains on strike days.” The Department for Transport said: “It is untrue. The company is running the maximum number of trains possible.” Eurostar station staff also strike today, on claims of dangerous conditions.