TSSA News Release
2 April 2007
Network Rail Putting Performance Before Safety
Britain’s second largest rail union has accused Network Rail of putting performance before safety in the wake of the record fine for the Paddington rail disaster.
Gerry Doherty, TSSA general secretary, said: “This tragic case revealed that Railtrack put profits before safety when it was running the railways.
“Now there is clear evidence that Network Rail is putting performance before safety when it comes to operating a safe railway.
“In nearly half of the cases of non compliance with the industry’s own rules last year, 47.3%, Network Rail were found to be putting performance before safety. This is a damning and worrying statistic.*
“Paddington demonstrated for all to see that performance must never be a bigger priority than safety. We are seeking urgent talks with Network Rail to ensure that safety is their number one priority at all times.”
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