ASLEF, the train drivers’ union in the UK, says the sale of DB Cargo could be a “golden opportunity to end race to the bottom”. The trades union, representing more than 23,000 drivers and associated professionals across the whole industry, has called for staff positions to be protected in any deal that sees the freight operator move into new ownership.
Following the news on Monday morning that a widespread corporate restructuring would see the UK arm of DB Cargo put up for sale, ASLEF General Secretary, Dave Calfe, praised the dedication of staff – particularly drivers – and called on the UK government to use this as an opportunity to turn around the rail freight and grow the sector.
Jobs must be protected
While the freight sector has been generally more at ease with the trade union movement, there is tension in relations. That tension was apparent in the uncompromising statement issued by the union in response to the announcement. “DB Cargo drivers have worked hard for the company day-in, day-out throughout years of uncertainty,” said Dave Calfe. “Their jobs must be protected in any sale.”
Taking attribution for the “golden opportunity to end the race to the bottom” statement, Calfe directed the union’s attention to the freight operators directly. “Private companies undercut each other rather than grow the business of freight on rail,” he said. The implication was for Westminster to take a more direct role, to the mutual benefit of his members. “The government must look to expand publicly owned rail freight. Freight train drivers and workers in the supply chain deserve security.”
DB Cargo to “UK Cargo”?
If a sale goes through for DB Cargo UK, there is speculation that international shipping lines could be in the market. There are already several operators who have interests or outright control of British rail freight operations. However, ASLEF wants the Government to become involved. “An immediate benefit of a public freight operator would be that Network Rail’s internal train operations could be brought in-house,” argues its Rail Freight Future policy document.
The economic benefits of rail freight are spread throughout the country, argues the union. It claims 90% of them are felt outside London and the South East. “We believe that the railways should be fully nationalised,” says ASLEF. “A step towards this would be to understand the importance of rail freight and expand the public’s current stake.”
Infrastructure call
ASLEF already has a policy position on the development of freight in the UK. It sees rail freight as having an important role to play in the UK economic future. However, the sector needs support, says the union. “Whilst Great British Railways is being established, there is an opportunity to address rail freight’s needs,” says ASLEF’s Rail Freight Future policy document.
The Rail Freight Future document calls for Investment in infrastructure to create capacity for freight, including building “HS2 in full”, the long-awaited Ely Junction Upgrade, and a rolling programme of electrification. None of these intentions is controversial, but there may be more debate over a wish for “levelling of the playing field between road and rail by reviewing road fuel duty and track access charges”.
