Union leaders have attacked a decision to end an on-board catering contract at a train operator running services into the South West which would threaten the loss of 130 jobs.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has written to the Government urging it to intervene to reverse the decision, affecting staff at contractors Elior on South Western Railway (SWR).
Staff have been told they are due to be made redundant on January 17, 2021, said the union. SWR said a reduction in passenger numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic has made on-board catering unsustainable.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “South Western Railway’s decision to axe its on-board catering provision is short-sighted and will undoubtedly worsen the passenger experience.
“Axing this vital service is completely at odds with the need to restore passenger confidence in the railway.
“There are now over 130 workers who unexpectedly face the prospect of losing their job come January 2021.
“SWR’s operations are being fully funded by the Department for Transport with public money, and the Government cannot sit by and allow it to treat catering workers and passengers with contempt.
“RMT is demanding that this decision is reversed and all jobs are protected.”
A spokesman for SWR said: “It is with regret that, following consultation with our passengers and the Department for Transport, we have had to terminate our contract with commercial catering company, Elior, as Covid-19 has made on-train catering services unsustainable due to falling passenger numbers.
“We will work with the company to ensure our vacancy lists are made available to any Elior employees affected by this decision.”
SWR is majority owned by FirstGroup and also by MTR Corporation and operates the South Western franchise, including commuter services from its Central London terminus at London Waterloo to South West London.
SWR also provides suburban services in Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset, as well as regional services in Devon, Somerset, Berkshire and Wiltshire. Its subsidiary Island Line operates services on the Isle of Wight.
SWR was awarded the South Western franchise in March 2017, taking over from South West Trains in August 2017.
Elior is a London-based services company, which also provides catering for customers in commercial, professional and financial service companies, industrial companies, the armed services, in the health and care sector and in education
