Jarvis workers march in campaign for work

Rail network: RAIL engineers whose jobs were among the 1,200 lost through the collapse of Jarvis were out in force in York yesterday to protest at scale of the cuts when the network needs essential work.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Apr 2010, 01:00 BST
Updated 15th Apr 2010, 01:00 BST

Demonstrators gathered at the Crescent Club, The Crescent, York, before marching on their former HQ at Meridian House, now occupied by administrators, and then to Network Rail's offices at George Stephenson House on Toft Green.

The show of strength was followed by a rally at the Crescent Club involving union bosses and addressed by York Central's Labour candidate Hugh Bayley.

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RMT union general secretary Bob Crow said:"We have people who have had no money for seven weeks – people who should be out there keeping our railways safe rather than queuing for benefits.

"We need to see Justice for Jarvis workers, and that means that the work that Jarvis had lined up should be done by Jarvis workers on the same terms and conditions under transfer of undertakings rules."

Mr Bayley is pressing for Network Rail to sign contracts immediately with other engineering companies to take over the Jarvis work, and for the new contractors to hire redundant Jarvis workers.

He said: "The track renewals are needed. The money is there to pay for it."

York Council is hosting events to help victims of the job cuts at York College on Sim Balk Lane from 10am to 4pm today and at Doncaster College on Chappell Drive tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.

Related topics:York