Union leaders call for action to save jobs as Alstom halts production
The train firm had stopped working due to a lack of orders
Last updated 31st Mar 2024
Union leaders have urgently called on the government to save thousands of jobs being lost at the UK's largest rail assembly site.
Alstom, which is based in Derby, halted production in recent weeks due to a lack of orders, putting many of its employees at risk.
The company said that despite ten months of discussions with ministers over work for its largest site in Derby, time had run out.
Currently, the site provides a job to 3,000 directly - with thousands of others further along the supply chain also facing difficulties.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite Union said that they will not stand by as the government looks to put thousands of people out of a job.
"There is a huge amount of work that Alstom could and should be bidding for, but the Government are simply not tendering for it and do not seem to care," she explained.
"Alstom and the Government now need to stop endlessly procrastinating and just get on and sign the contracts to ensure the security of thousands of highly skilled workers.
"If their inaction does lead to job cuts, the responsible people will be held to account personally."
Alstom itself said that it had been working with MPs to bring about a more sustainable long-term future for its Derby site, but production lines have stalled after months of fruitless negotiations.
"We will now consult with our staff, with trades unions and with our UK supply chain to provide as much certainty as we can," the company added in a statement.
Previously, Alstom's managing director Nick Crossfield admitted that the company was no longer able to guarantee a presence in the town, due to the 18-month gap until the next order of works by ministers.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Rail manufacturing plays an important role in growing the UK economy and delivering better services for passengers.
"The Government is committed to supporting the entire sector and we remain in close contact with Alstom to secure a sustainable future for rail manufacturing at Derby.”
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