Detailed plans confirm timescale and strategy for renationalising ECML

Detailed plans outlining the timescale and strategy for the renationalising of the East Coast Main Line following the collapse of the National Express franchise have now been received by rail union RMT.

A new publicly owned company, trading under the brand name East Coast, is scheduled to take over the operation of the route from the 12^th of December 2009.

Whilst welcoming the return to public ownership and control of the East Coast Main Line, RMT are demanding to know why National Express's other two routes, East Anglia and C2C, have not been included in the plans under the cross-default clauses which should see them reclaimed from the company.

RMT are also raising questions over why the creation of the new publicly owned East Coast company, at massive cost to the taxpayer and creating huge upheaval for staff and passengers, is only seen as a short term measure with the Government planning a third gamble on privatisation in mid-2011 despite the failures of both GNER and National Express on this important section of the rail network.

RMT have also lodged formal demands that no member of staff transferring from National Express to East Coast should suffer any detriment to their current benefits or terms and conditions.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said:

"Now that the government have set out a clear timetable for renationalising the East Coast Main Line from the 12th of December RMT is demanding an absolute assurance that this will be a permanent move that recognises the chaotic failures of privatisation on this prestige route on the UK rail network. It would be a total waste of taxpayers money and staff time and energy to have a third gamble on privatisation in 18 months time.

"We are also demanding that the government get off the fence and strip National Express of their two other franchises - C2C and East Anglia - under the cross-default clause. Anything else would be a reward for failure on a massive scale.

"Finally, we want a clear recognition of the hard work and dedication of staff who have kept the East Coast Main Line running throughout the privatisation fiasco and an assurance that there will be no attacks on their benefits or working conditions."