RMT has expressed its anger and astonishment that the company had formulated a runaways policy without seeking the views of the union representing most track workers.

Since four RMT members were killed at Tebay in February 2004 there have been at least 12 runaway incidents, the most recent at Brentwood, Essex, on November 4, when a road-rail vehicle ran out of control for seven miles.

The union is seeking additional protection for track workers, including the use of devices to protect worksites on stretches of track where the gradient poses a significant risk.

“I have written three times to Network Rail since August seeking urgent discussions on additional protection for track workers, and I have not even had the courtesy of a reply,” RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said on 30th November.

“Our safety reps are furious that the company has attempted to draft a policy without seeking their views, and it is hardly surprising that the document they have drafted is wholly inadequate.

“I have asked Network Rail to explain why have been denied the involvement we are legally entitled to, and why they have chosen to devise a crucially important safety policy in secret.

“We have been demanding urgent action for three years, but progress has been painfully slow, not least because Network Rail doesn’t own or maintain any of these vehicles itself.

“We have said time and again that Network Rail must take proper control of the assets and skills employed on the tracks, but the people working out there have to be protected,” Bob Crow said.

For further information please contact Derek Kotz on 020 7529 8803 or 07939 595 092