[arista]

From ITV London tonight.

MP's were asking train companies
in Westminster today.
A Spokeperson said he was not aware of any Train Divisions
having money problems


The reporter then said South West Trains
are going to get rid of some staff.
Putting in ticket machines and cut backs.
But how can they Cut Back
and then get the Public to pay more.


The Rail Union is considering Strikes
once they say who is being sacked.

_______________________________________
New Heading added 17/3/09
as although SWT are not striking
the Brighton -Gatwick -London line
Capital Connect & National Easy Anglia rail
is going on strike.

[Ross]

Oh dear
I think most people
use ticket machines
now-a-days anyway.

[Sod_James]

The fares going up has little to do with the actual train company itself and is often not their decision to make. often they have no choice to put prices up.

The railways lines are actually owned by National Rail and the companies have to pay a fee to have the privelage to run their trains on their lines. Every year National Rail increases their fee to use the tracks so therefor the train companies have to up their fares in order to cover these costs otherwise they would go out of business.

The train companies get a lot of stick from the public for so called unfair pricing and poor service but alot of time its not their fault and they are often forced into it.

[arista]

Ok Sod James
but what about sacking staff?


Shoulds they then Strike.

[Sod_James]

Well sacking staff is an entirely different matter.

I dont know that particular company's current financial situation. It could be that they just cant afford to keep the staff on.

Although it does make simple business sense that if the popularity of self ticketing machines is increasing then laying of staff would be the logical thing to do.

in terms of striking, that would all depend on the terms of their dismissal and their contracts. The railway industry is really confusing.

[arista]

Well Tonight SWT have said they will not strike.

But Capital Connect Brighton to London and Gatwick
are going on strike.

Reported just now on Local ITV news.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/ma...s-face-strikes

[xDramatick]

Yikes.
Thankfully my bf works with FGW.

[arista]

Bob Crow
just on Radio 5
said the reason SWT did not strike
was due to a Pay deal that they would never get
if they did Strike.


"The walkouts are due to take place over the next month on the National Express East Anglia, First Capital Connect and London Overground routes after RMT union members on those franchises voted to strike."

From the Guardian Link.