Minister Acknowledges Lack of Control Over Minimum Service Levels During Strikes
The rail minister, Huw Merriman, has openly admitted that the Government is unable to guarantee the implementation of minimum service levels during train strikes, as per the new legislation.
Train Companies Hold the Reins on Implementing Minimum Service Levels
According to Merriman, it is ultimately the decision of train operating companies to enforce minimum service levels, even with the recent law introduced to mitigate the impact of industrial action.
No Utilization of Legislation During Latest Strikes
Despite the latest strikes being intended as a test for the legislation, aimed at ensuring that train operators could run 40% of services, none of the train companies opted to utilize it, succumbing to pressure from union threats.
Government's Limited Influence on Employers
Merriman clarified that the Government has no power to compel employers to implement minimum service levels, emphasizing that they can only encourage and present the option to train companies.
Limited Interest in Applying the Law
Only London North Eastern Railway (LNER), a state-owned operator, showed significant interest in applying the law before last month's strikes. However, further industrial action by the train drivers' union Aslef led to LNER retracting its stance.
Consideration for Strengthening Minimum Service Levels Rules
Downing Street mentioned evaluating the possibility of enhancing rules around minimum service levels to safeguard the best interests of passengers, following the events surrounding the recent strikes.
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