Wabtec job losses

450 jobs to go at Wabtec’s Doncaster works, as new fleets across the UK equates to less refurbishment work.

THE introduction across the network of new trains is being cited by Wabtec as to why it is cutting 450 jobs at its Doncaster works, almost halving its staff numbers.

“The transit rail industry in the UK is changing. Rail operators are updating their fleets with new rolling stock rather than refurbishing existing trains,” said spokesman Tim Bader.

The company announced the decision on June 16, with a 45-day consultation under way. Wabtec plans to reduce the headcount at the South Yorkshire facility between the third quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021.

“In 2019, Wabtec’s Doncaster site completed most of its refurbishment projects, and has a strategy in place to the remaining commitments,” added Bader.

He said that the job cuts would not affect the existing refurbishment work at the site, which includes High Speed Trains for Great Western Railway and ScotRail as well as diesel multiple units for Angel Trains.

With new fleets introduced across the UK, the number of older trains still in use is reducing or is planned for reduction. Gemini Rail Services gave a similar reason for its closure of Springburn in Glasgow last year. It’s also the reason given by Wabtec for its decision, announced earlier this year, to close its Kilmarnock facility.

Bader explained: “The decision was made to focus the site on projects that are best suited for its operational strengths, which are wheels, bogies and vehicle exams for passenger and freight.

“This proposal is critical to position the UK operations for long-term success.

“It will improve cost competitiveness, efficiency, and enable the UK operations to better compete in the challenging rail market. That is the main driver for this proposed realignment.”

However, the RMT union accused Wabtec of using the COVID-19 pandemic to “smuggle out” what it called “savage cuts”. “The plans should be immediately withdrawn to allow for discussions with the Government and local politicians on how we protect these skilled engineering jobs before they are lost for good,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Cash.

He said this was “another sign of the kind of carnage being lined up for the engineering and transport sectors off the back of this pandemic”.

RYAN TRANMER. An aerial view of Doncaster station and the adjacent Wabtec Rail site on May 11 2019. Its yard houses High Speed Train coaches for conversion, as well as a Northern Class 769 bi-mode unit. The reduction in the refurbishment of vehicles such as these is why 450 jobs are being cut at the site, according to Wabtec.