Tories call for independent pay body for public sector rail workers

Government moves to help nationalise train operation should include establishing an independent pay review process for public sector rail workers, according to the Tories .

Shadow transport secretary Helen Whately said the proposal would “take the politics out of pay” and be in line with arrangements in place for teachers, nurses and the armed forces.

The proposed amendment to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill follows the new Labour Government making a multi-year pay offer to train drivers in a bid to resolve long-running pay disputes and end strikes.

The Bill is being fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is expected to clear its remaining stages on Tuesday before the House of Lords examines it.

It would ensure that appointing a public sector train operator as existing contracts expire becomes the default position rather than a last resort.

This would mean privately-owned operators such as Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and Thameslink would be gradually brought into public ownership.

Ms Whately accused the Government of “rushing these huge changes through” and treating the railways “like a toy train set”.

The Conservatives’ amendments to be considered on Tuesday also include requiring annual reporting of the performance of publicly-owned train operating companies and maintaining space for private providers on the network.

PA news agency analysis shows nearly a quarter (23%) of rail journeys in Britain are on services that are already publicly-owned.

Ms Whately said: “Everyone agrees that our rail system needs reform. But Labour are rushing these huge changes through with none of the proper scrutiny. They’re treating our railway like a toy train set.

“Putting politicians in charge of the controls isn’t the magical solution they think it is. It just means passengers and taxpayers footing the bill when they lose their grip on costs. That’s why we’re proposing checks to hold ministers to account.

“Teachers, nurses, and our armed forces all have independent pay bodies to take the politics out of pay. If Labour block one for rail unions it’s pretty clear where their loyalties lie. It’ll be back to beer and sandwiches at Number 10.”

Speaking during the Bill’s second reading in July, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said there was “nothing ideological about fixing what’s broken” and also pledged to “rip up contracts early” if train operators do not meet their obligations to passengers.