Concerned rail union pledges to fight for jobs in South Yorkshire

A rail union has pledged to step up their fight to protect jobs amid concerns new management could be planning cuts.
Alex Hynes.Alex Hynes.
Alex Hynes.

Alex Hynes, the current managing director of the Serco/Abellio Northern Rail franchise – part of the Dutch state operation - is to remain managing director of the new Arriva German state railway franchise.

Members of the transport union RMT claimed Mr Hynes said two years ago that there were no plans to axe guards on Northern services, and move to a ‘driver only or driver controlled operation’.

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However, they said he is now gearing up to run the service on behalf of Deutsche Bahn whose bid has the controversial model at its core.

Mick Cash, RMT’s general secretary, said: “RMT’s fight for jobs, services and safety, and against the hammering down on budgets so that more cash can be extracted to subsidise rail operations in Germany, continues.”

From April 1, Mr Hynes will lead Northern’s 5,500 employees and deliver Arriva’s ambitious plans to transform rail travel for customers across the north – with an extensive investment programme promising new and refurbished trains, extra services, increased capacity and a variety of station and ticketing improvements.

Mr Hynes said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue to lead the business and the fantastic team we have built. Arriva brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Northern through its successes here in the UK and across Europe.