NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release Friday 6 June 2003

LABOUR MUST ACT ON MAIL TRAIN THREAT

RAIL union TSSA has condemned Royal Mail's decision to axe the mail train.

General Secretary Richard Rosser said: "Royal Mail's decision to abandon themail train is a defining moment for the Government's transport policy.

"It is a direct challenge to Labour's policy of increasing the amount offreight carried by rail, and transferring it to the road. It will mean moreheavy lorries on our roads, increased congestion, more road-building and thehand of the road lobby strengthened.

"Of course, with around 900 members in EWS, TSSA is concerned about theimpact it will have on jobs and local economies, up and down the country.

"However, this move will surely be a disaster for the environment too. Theimpact in terms of congestion and pollution will be enormous.

"Royal Mail clearly do not believe that they have any wider social orenvironmental responsibilities. Rather than looking at it from the impacton their balance sheet, they must consider the cost of this move to thenation's balance sheet.

"EWS have been running an excellent service for Royal Mail, with betterpunctuality rates than most passenger train operators. How can Royal Mailguarantee more reliable and punctual postal delivery if they are relying onour creaking motorway network?

"And how can they claim to save money if they end up breaking penaltyclauses in their contract with EWS which lasts to the end of September 2006?

"This decision makes a mockery of the Government's integrated transportpolicy. Fortunately, as one of the last industries still in the publicsector, ministers still have the power to review it.

"If Royal Mail are allowed to get away with this move, it means thatAlastair Darling's policy is nothing but a statement of hope. The Governmentmust step in before Royal Mail wrecks the railfreight network."

ends

For further information contact: Mike Katz on (020) 7529 8033 or 07956925969 (mobile)

Notes to Editors
1. TSSA represents 32,000 members in administrative, clerical,managerial, professional and technical jobs in the railways, buses, theLondon Underground, the travel trade, canals, ports and ferries, and roadhaulage.