Redundancies At National Express East Anglia

EDM number 436 in 2008-09, proposed by Kelvin Hopkins on 13/01/2009.
Categorised under the topic of Railways.

That this House expresses concern that National Express East Anglia's announcement of over 300 redundancies will inevitably damage passenger services and hurt the communities of the rail workers affected; is further concerned that passenger security and information will be reduced as stations are de-staffed, which in turn could contribute to safety problems this winter with a lack of early morning de-icing duties and very restricted assistance for disabled passengers boarding trains; is alarmed that the company intends to remove its award-winning restaurant car and that the reduction in train cleaners will lead to dirty trains and the build-up of rubbish; believes the National Express Group is motivated by a desire to protect its profit margin and that this is not the result of a proper assessment of passenger needs in which account is also taken of the views of the trades' unions; further believes the proposals fly in the face of National Express's statement on the signing of the franchise that passenger customer service would be enhanced and is appalled that these cuts are taking place when the National Express Group has so far paid out £40.2 million in shareholder dividends in 2008 and presided over a six per cent. increase in ticket prices; and calls on the company to reverse its decision and jointly agree sensible and adequate staffing levels across the franchise with the trades' unions.

This motion has been signed by a total of 32 MPs.