Unite the union has broadly welcomed today’s announcement by the Welsh government that Transport for Wales is to be nationalised.

Peter Hughes, Unite Wales regional secretary, commented: “Unite has long argued that rail should be in public hands so today’s news from the Welsh government is one that we warmly welcome. A service as fundamental to our society such as the railways should not be run by private companies whose motivation for profit often comes ahead of the needs of passengers.

"Good rail services are hugely reliant on their highly skilled and dedicated workforce. We expect employees' terms and conditions to be completely maintained as this transfer from the private to the public sector takes place. Key caveats from the existing franchise around job security and direct employment that our members have built their future plans around, must be maintained.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information please contact Glyn Conolly on 07974131771.

  • Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest trade union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.