Transition of rail workers into Great British Railways

That this House welcomes and applauds the bringing into public ownership of the Train Operating Companies and their combination with Network Rail to create Great British Railways (GBR); believes that a just transition for railway workers into the new structures is vital to deliver a railway that works for everyone; is therefore alarmed to hear of significant job losses at Network Rail in advance of the transition to GBR; is concerned that in some TUPEs which have laid the ground for the transition, trade unions have been derecognised, such as the TUPE of workers from Network Rail to Platform 4; is further concerned that the Railways Bill does not include measures to protect pensions in the transfer to GBR in a similar manner to previous Railways Acts; and further strongly believes that GBR is a key opportunity to institute collective bargaining agreements covering every worker in the new company, and that a just transition for railway workers means protecting jobs, pay, conditions, travel facilities and pensions in the movement to public ownership.