RAIL chiefs in York today welcomed Network Rail's decision to take back control of maintenance on the lines - the biggest shake-up of the industry since privatisation.
Bosses at the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) said workers in the city would be delighted that Network Rail was to bring all maintenance projects under its banner.
The news came days after York-based Jarvis Rail resolved to pull out of maintenance. Around 3,500 workers are expected to transfer to Network Rail.
Stan Herschel, RMT York organiser, said: "Workers will welcome it. Their morale has been very low and, on the whole, we see it as a step in the right direction."
Steve Coe, TSSA York negotiator, said: "We firmly believe this is in the best interests of the industry, but we recognise there will be problems for some of our members. We will be doing everything to protect their interests."
Updated: 10:48 Friday, October 24, 2003
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