The Minister of State, Department for Transport (): Our railways play an important role in
connecting communities and keeping the economy moving. Whether it
is travelling to a medical appointment, school, work or to visit
a relative, for many, our railways are a lifeline.
Over the last year, passengers, through no fault of their own,
have been subject to severe disruption on the railways due to
sustained industrial action. This has had a nationwide impact. It
has stopped key workers getting to work, children going to
school, and restricted people’s access to essential services such
as hospital care.
The Government recognise the importance of workers’ ability to
take strike action, and this will be protected. Recent industrial
action, though, has demonstrated how strikes disproportionately
impact people from accessing the services they require.
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which is currently
before Parliament, will set a legislative framework to balance
workers’ ability to strike with the public’s ability to get to
work and access vital services.
Today, I am pleased to confirm that a consultation on setting
minimum service levels for passenger rail has opened and will run
for 12 weeks from 20 February to 15 May. The Department is
seeking views from the public, from the rail sector, trade unions
and wider industries to develop a more detailed understanding of
the impact of strike activity and how minimum service levels
might be applied for passenger rail to reduce the disruptions
caused by strikes. Subject to the outcome of the consultation,
and the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill receiving Royal
Assent, minimum service levels for passenger rail would then be
delivered through regulations.
