Rail unions need to embrace change

I READ with interest the article by Martin Williams (“‘They’ll have blood on their hands’: Union’s fury at Network Rail over job cuts”, September 18). Having spent almost 39 years of my working life in the railway industry the subject of productivity in both rolling stock and infrastructure functions is a longstanding one.

The technology available to railway engineering functions has advanced greatly in the last 10 years and the UK has some catching up to do when compared to European and international railway organisations, particularly in the fields of remote condition monitoring and proactive diagnostics. Things are changing with Network Rail, Transport for London, Train Operators and Rolling Stock Leasing Companies all investing in monitoring and diagnostic technology.

The supply chain for infrastructure and rolling stock material has also been investing in improved components and materials, all with the common aim of prolonging service life, reducing maintenance activities and delivering a higher level of safety.

The unions need to embrace these initiatives if the rail industry is to survive and grow in the challenging economic environment that exists today. That point requires organisations such as Network Rail to develop robust plans for implementing any proposed changes.

These changes need substance behind them that must cover amended maintenance and inspection specifications, staff training and

competency as well as staff deployment. On many occasions I have seen and had to deal with the consequences of maintenance changes and staff reductions that were implemented without the detail being developed first.

Therefore to reach a successful conclusion for all stakeholders, which very much includes the freight customers and passengers, Network Rail needs to have detailed proposals to present and the trade unions need to accept that change is required and that the outcome can deliver an improved pay and conditions package for their members.

Prolonging industrial disputes will only have an adverse effect on the rail industry with loss of confidence from government (both UK and Scottish), freight and passenger sectors, reduced revenue and potentially a reduction in the UK network.

There are several routes in Scotland where the economics of providing a rail service are challenging, all concerned should not forget that.