Campaigners hand out protest cards at Nuneaton train station

[dutchman]

Angry campaigners who are unhappy about rail travel changes staged a protest at a busy railway station.



Rail Union members stood shoulder-to-shoulder at Nuneaton Railway station during the most manic time of the day to stop commuters in their tracks as part of an ongoing mission.

They handed out protest Christmas cards to travellers arriving at the station during the morning rush, warning them of fare hikes and plans to get rid of workers and cut services.

It was part of a national day of action against the changes, which could lead to cancelled trains and ticket office closures, and it was organised by the TUC’s Action for Rail campaign, which also involves the RMT, ASLEF, TSSA and Unite, which all have members working on the railways.

Ken Usher, RMT’s Midlands regional organiser, said: “There were around half a dozen people at Nuneaton Railway Station distributing cards with a Christmas theme featuring a special message from train companies.

“The cards outlined the campaign against rising cost of rail travel and planned cuts to services and staff and if people want to back the campaign there is a bit that they can tear off, fill out and send to their local MP.

“The morning was just part of our action which is ongoing and the reaction from commuters at the station seemed to be that they are fed up of rising ticket prices and worsening services.”

The leafleting activity was planned to encourage rail users to tell their local MPs of their concern and the cards urge MPs to back a policy of investment, fair fares and a publicly-owned railway that puts people before profits.

It followed an announcement by the Association of Train Operating Companies that revealed new inflation-busting fare rises for 2013.