London Overground profits to go to new firm

RMT condemns London Overground sell-off to Deutsche Bahn

RMT has condemned the decision by Transport for London to hand the busy London Overground service over to failing rail privateer Arriva, a subsidiary of the German state railway Deutsche Bahn.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was ludicrous to hand LOROL services over to the German state as Arriva have just had their contract for the Tyne and Wear Metro ripped up with that service being taken into direct public control from April next year.

“The German state has openly admitted that it will be using profits from foreign franchises to run rail services in Germany.

“It appears that this government is happy for other states to make profits from our rail network but not this state,” he said.

A German Transport spokesperson stated last year:“ We're skimming profit from the entire Deutsche Bahn and ensuring that it is anchored in our budget - that way we can make sure it is invested in the rail network here in Germany”.

> RMT National News

Wednesday, 10th September
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey has called on Mayor Sadiq Khan to attend a summit with the union to find a resolution urgently to the escalating London Underground dispute.
Friday, 5th September
RMT today blasted plans by the Elizabeth Line to close every ticket office by August 2027, calling the move “a betrayal of station staff and passengers” with a vow of sustained industrial action to stop it.
Thursday, 4th September
RMT has declared a formal dispute with outsourcing giant ABM after the company failed to improve on its derisory offer to cleaners working on the London Underground cleaning contract.
Wednesday, 3rd September
Maritime union, RMT has marked Merchant Navy Day by demanding urgent action from industry and government to secure jobs, training and fair conditions for UK seafarers.
Tuesday, 2nd September
Rail union, RMT today welcomed the London Assembly Transport Committee’s letter to Transport for London on fare evasion and staff safety, and backed calls for urgent action to tackle the rising levels of violence against frontline transport workers.