Tories call for independent pay body for public sector rail workers

Labour’s plans to nationalise train operators are based on a “deeply held ideological belief”, the shadow transport secretary has said, as the Conservatives put forward an amendment to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill.

Helen Whately has called for the government to establish an independent pay review process for public sector rail workers.

Ms Whately said the proposal would “take the politics out of pay” and be in line with arrangements in place for teachers, nurses and the armed forces.

And, in a speech as the bill comes before parliament, she is expected to say: “I do not doubt that Members opposite sincerely believe in their plan. But just because an ideological belief is deeply held, that doesn’t make it right.

“How can it be a good idea for rail union bosses to sit around the table with ministers negotiating pay without the assistance of an independent pay review body? Especially ministers who from time to time benefit from generous union donations.”

Ms Whately is expected to warn that passengers will foot the bill for any loss of control over costs.

The proposed amendment to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill follows the new Labour Government making a multi-year pay offer to train drivers in a bid to resolve long-running pay disputes and end strikes.

The Bill is being fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is expected to clear its remaining stages on Tuesday before the House of Lords examines it.

It would ensure that appointing a public sector train operator as existing contracts expire becomes the default position rather than a last resort.

This would mean privately-owned operators such as Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and Thameslink would be gradually brought into public ownership.

Ms Whately accused the Government of “rushing these huge changes through” and treating the railways “like a toy train set”.

The Conservatives’ amendments to be considered on Tuesday also include requiring annual reporting of the performance of publicly-owned train operating companies and maintaining space for private providers on the network.

PA news agency analysis shows nearly a quarter (23%) of rail journeys in Britain are on services that are already publicly-owned.

Ms Whately said: “Everyone agrees that our rail system needs reform. But Labour are rushing these huge changes through with none of the proper scrutiny. They’re treating our railway like a toy train set.

“Putting politicians in charge of the controls isn’t the magical solution they think it is. It just means passengers and taxpayers footing the bill when they lose their grip on costs. That’s why we’re proposing checks to hold ministers to account.

“Teachers, nurses, and our armed forces all have independent pay bodies to take the politics out of pay. If Labour block one for rail unions it’s pretty clear where their loyalties lie. It’ll be back to beer and sandwiches at Number 10.”

Speaking during the Bill’s second reading in July, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said there was “nothing ideological about fixing what’s broken” and also pledged to “rip up contracts early” if train operators do not meet their obligations to passengers.