U.K. Unions Tell Johnson It’s Not Safe to Increase Train Travel

(Bloomberg) --

Britons face a new obstacle in getting back to work following the coronavirus outbreak after unions called for train services to remain limited even as the government begins to plan for an easing of the lockdown.

Leaders of the ASLEF, RMT and TSSA unions wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the leaders of Scotland and Wales opposing what they say are moves by operators to lift train frequencies. The change would send mixed messages about the safety of mass transit and come before any agreement on measures to protect staff and travelers, they said.

“We will not accept new working patterns that put the lives of railway workers and passengers at risk,” the letter said. “We are not convinced that there is any basis at this time for a safe escalation of services.”

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Britain has been among the countries hardest hit by the virus in Europe, with the confirmed death toll above 28,000. Train and bus services have run on reduced schedules, with citizens urged to work from home where possible.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash wrote in a column in the left-wing Morning Star last week that the crisis is proof that rail service can be taken over by the government.

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