Give York rail work (From York Press)

Give York rail work

2:55pm Thursday 21st September 2006 in

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GIVE York rail engineers more work.

That was the call today from union bosses to Network Rail.

They believe the company holds the key to the future of York's dwindling number of skilled rail workers.

The Press recently reported that Fastline, part of Jarvis plc, which carries out maintenance contracts for Network Rail, is shedding up to a dozen skilled engineering jobs - leaving fewer than 30 blue collar staff at its two large workshops, off Leeman Road, York.

The depots, now used to maintain and service trackside wagons, once employed hundreds of workers.

Bill Rawcliffe, the Rail Maritime and Transport Union's (RMT) branch chairman, said company bosses told them during negotiations on Tuesday that their largest carriage and wagon depot was being kept open thanks to a new temporary contract agreed with Network Rail. It is believed to be a six-month deal to modify 550 "falcon" wagons.

But Mr Rawcliffe said it was not permanent enough and claimed Network Rail was responsible for the dwindling number of engineering jobs in York because the company continued to award contracts elsewhere.

"Network Rail is still the villain of the piece," the union leader said.

"We are extremely angry about the situation because they keep taking jobs away from us."

Mr Rawcliffe said there was an "entire fleet" of Network Rail wagons requiring maintenance and repair that "should be done in York".

"We want a commitment from them to stop removing work that can be done here," he said.

"We've got the facilities and the workforce, but Network Rail will not give us the work.

"This temporary Fastline contract gives us a platform to fight for more permanent jobs."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "While we have every sympathy with individuals who are facing an uncertain future, Network Rail must award contracts on the basis for money ensuring that the company stays on target to meet the stringent efficiency targets imposed on us by the independent rail regulator and that taxpayers, who ultimately fund the railway, get value for money."

Fastline spokeswoman Diane Mangan said: "We said last week that there was a small number of jobs at risk at the Leeman Road engineering works, but we had not confirmed anything.

"Following discussions with the union we believe we've reached a solution acceptable to the unions and our employees."