Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/520/3776
From The Socialist newspaper, 13 February 2008
Off the rails
Cuts and backlogs cause delays
OVER-RUN OF engineering work is a common reason for delays on the rail system. The four-day over-run at the New Year around Rugby got plenty of attention but there were serious problems elsewhere at the same time. A BBC Radio Four programme looked at this issue.
Network Rail has of course 'apologised' for the delays. But travellers might not be too re-assured that Network Rail boss Iain Coucher wants more trains to run on Christmas day which would definitely interrupt scheduled en-gineering work normally done over the Christmas period.
What is the real situation? There is clearly a massive backlog of signalling work, engineering upgrades along with routine maintenance work. Part of the explanation for the problems over New Year is that Network Rail discovered too late that there are only a 'finite' number of experienced overhead line engineers.
The derailment last year at Grayrigg in Cumbria occurred because of failure to carry out basic routine patrolling and inspection. Network Rail has since claimed that these problems were local, but reports from the Railway Inspectorate and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch cast doubt on this.
There are examples elsewhere of similar failings. The suggestion is that maintenance workers are expected to cover bigger areas more quickly, that there are examples of "unremitting workload, lack of manpower".
Likewise the public will not be impressed that there is according to Iain Coucher "a proper process for deferring work." One item of work has been deferred for four years. Network Rail has a budget for maintenance work which has fallen for each of the last three years. Talks are now being held to sort out the future budget.
All this takes place behind the backs of the travellers and even of the workforce who have no involvement at all. Everyone wants faster, more frequent, more reliable trains running on safe, properly maintained tracks. The current system fails to provide a basis for this aspiration to be realised.
Unless the skills and knowledge of the workforce can be used to plan and implement the work needed, the railways will continue to perform poorly.
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In The Socialist 13 February 2008:
Local Government workers
Birmingham council workers' biggest strike for decades
'Single status' in the West Midlands
Bosses prepare to force through more cuts
Newham workers angry at councillors
Socialist Students
Feature: The great university swindle
War and terrorism
Socialist Party news and analysis
Millionaire welcomes economic recession!
Liverpool's tale of two cities
Cardiff marches to save schools
100 people pack London world economy meeting
Transport
Cuts and backlogs cause delays
International socialist news and analysis
Polish miners gain strike victory due to iron determination
Chad conflict - part of a wider power struggle
Interview
Prison officers: Fighting for trade union rights
Building the Campaign for a New Workers' Party
Comment
Comment: Opportunist blunder further splits Church of England
Workplace news and analysis
Land Registry staff vote for action
London Underground: Strike ballot in safety row
Campaign Against Climate Change trade union conference
Shelter staff ballot for action
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