Rail unions call on Grand Central to help redeploy Blackpool workers after scrapping London route

Discussions between unions and Grand Central have started following the company’s decision not to go ahead with the new service because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The firm had formed offices at Talbot Gateway’s Bickerstaffe House and took on staff including drivers and crew.

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) called on ministers to absorb services provided by open access operators into the government-protected rail services.

Steve Coe from TSSA said: “Dedicated railway staff are facing redundancy, but they could be redeployed in other parts of the railway and that is what we’re asking Grand Central to facilitate. We’ve asked the company to find other train operators to take on skilled workers and safeguard these jobs.”

He added: “Having accepted that franchising has failed, the Government now needs to recognise that there is no space in our railway network for open access operators such as Grand Central.”

Grand Central said it’s meeting with trade unions and staff members to explore potential options.

A spokesman said: “The Covid-19 pandemic sadly rendered our planned North West route unfeasible and continues to have an impact on patterns of travel on our two existing routes.

“While Grand Central receives no Government funding we continue to enjoy the support of our parent company Arriva and the dedication of our team.”

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: “We will do everything possible to ensure that our members’ livelihoods are protected and that they will still have employment on the railway in the future.

“Open access operators are at huge risk in this pandemic and the Government must intervene to protect both jobs and these much needed services.”