UK Transport Workers Union Slams Government Over Another Bump In Ticket Prices

UK Transport Workers Union Slams Government Over Another Bump in Ticket Prices

The UK National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) on Wednesday condemned the government's most recent increase in train ticket prices amid the low level of service, calling it a "nail in the coffin" of privatized UK railways.

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th August, 2018) The UK National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) on Wednesday condemned the government's most recent increase in train ticket prices amid the low level of service, calling it a "nail in the coffin" of privatized UK railways.

The authorities said earlier in the day that prices would go up by 3.2 percent in January. UK media reported that both public and trade unions were dismayed by the news, with the latter staging protests across the country. UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, in turn, has stated that price increase was "entirely fair."

"Todays fare rise is just another nail in the coffin of Britains rip-off privatised railways. Its no longer a question of if our rail services are renationalised, its a question of when ... With passengers already furious at the shocking level of service on Britains rip-off privatised railways todays news is just another kick in the teeth that will come back to haunt both the Tory Government and the train companies alike," RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said in a statement.

Cash noted that the "profiteering and exploitation" UK railways had been facing for more than 20 years of privatization was behind the lack of funding for infrastructure and staff, a situation which has prompted the government to continue raising ticket prices.

The RMT chief recalled that the United Kingdom had given control of over three-quarters of national train services to overseas operators as part of the privatization process.

Cash expressed regret over the fact that UK passengers would not benefit from the recent fare increase since profits would go straight to other EU counties.

The recent rail fare hike continues the trend of price bumps that surpass rises in wages amid major staff cuts in the industry. Prices previously went up 3.6 percent back in January, which was the sharpest rise in years.