Hi all.
I currently side within VT and thought i'd share my views with you all. My thoughts and views are from a rail employ and not a customer.
Up until the recent articles that have been released we (all VT staff) were very much looking forward to hearing VT were going to get the franchise. However, since this information came out its put massive doubts in our minds.
I was talking with someone who is high up with the exec's and he said he is basically worried. Mr B wouldnt be writting to J.Greening direct if he didt have real concerns - I guess hes correct, its sounds feasable.
With regards to VT 'pulling the rug from the bid team' - They were brought into the company with one goal, and that was to put together a successful bid. Once the bid has been submitted to the DFT then theres nothing anyone can do. They were all aware when they accepted their fixed term contracts they wouldnt stay with the company after the bid was sent, so to say VT sacked them all isnt correct.
I left TPE to be with VT because back then VT were the rail company of choice. High profile, good wages, excellent salary. It had everything. I've been here for a long time now and love it.
It would be a huge shame should VT lose the franchise, but I guess thats what happens in business/franchise.
From what information I can gather First are going to keep the onboard shop but make huge cuts to the catering teams. At present on any breakfast service you have 1 in the shop and upto 7 working in 1st class. 1 Service Manager, CSAs and 1 Chef. There are around 850 catering staff.
Under First they propose to have 1 on the shop and upto 3 max in 1st class dependant on the service they are working, (Pendolinos). Voyagers will remain 2 staff, 1 in the shop 1 in 1st. Everyone will be paid a CSA rate of paid, greatly reduced from what they currently get paid.
I have'nt leaked any pay information, its for all to see on the careers website but Service Managers are paid in excess of £31,000 a year, Assistant Service Managers in excess of £28,000 a year, Chefs about £26,000 and CSAs upto £26,000 a year dependant on location. (higher pay in London). Obviously all pro-rotated pay (but figures above based on 41hr week).
It may take time for these changes to come into effect, anything upto 12 months. Imagine how much money they would save from all that?!
To give you an idea there are currently around 120 staff across all departments which have fixed term contracts that expire on 8th December 2012. I very much think they will instantly be gone under First.
VT are the first rail company in the UK (to my knowledge) which employ weekend casual staff, there isnt many, but they will also go, as would the purpose built recruitment centre.
As you can see theres a lot of people who would be effected by a potential takeover from First. To say we are worried is an understatment.
I just hope the DFT make the right choice.
Just my 10p to add to the conversation.
Regards,
A very worried TM and ex caterer.
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Virgin might only be gone for a year anyway, surely they'd put everything into trying to get East Coast if they lose this?
Think about it from a share holders point of view. You put millions into a bid for the WCML but its refused. Would you then put more money to bid for another franchise? More importantly, would you as the DFT award the ECML to a company which did't hold a franchise? i.e if VT lose the WCML.
Its sad to say, but if VT dont win the WCML then they would be gone for good.