BBC Nick Robinson’s heated conflict with rail boss over pay for placing staff

The BBC’s Nick Robinson clashed with a spokesman for the group representing rail bosses this morning, as staff throughout 14 totally different prepare firms as soon as once more stroll out on strike.

The newest industrial motion is as soon as once more attributable to twin disputes over pay and demanded reforms to the rail community, which unions argue threaten jobs.

Speaking on the Today Programme, the RDG’s Robert Nisbet mentioned the extent of disruption goes to range, however passengers ought to test earlier than they journey.

Mr Robinson referred to as out prepare operators having little incentive to finish the strikes, as they nonetheless receives a commission even when the trains don’t run.

“Isn’t one of the core problems here that train operators still get paid even when the trains don’t run? You don’t lose anything on strike days!

“The Government gives you compensation!… £10s of millions a day from the government.”

Mr Nisbet confirmed that there are “elements of the fixed fee” that can be paid out no matter, however there are further bonuses that can be withheld if efficiency measures aren’t met.

Mr Robinson retorted: “In simple terms, you get paid to run trains even when you’re not running trains”.

When Mr Nisbet replied “we are operating under fixed contracts from the Government”, Mr Robinson joked: “I think that’s a ‘yes’ though isn’t it?”

“So you have no financial incentive to solve this crisis at all, the companies can just happily carry on getting the money.”

Mr Robinson additionally slammed the rail bosses for not having met the Aslef – one of many two unions strolling out this weekend – since April 26, calling the transfer “lunacy”.

The RDG argued it isn’t assembly with the union till they settle for the core precept of change.

Mr Nisbet mentioned £175 million further assist a month is having to enter the railway, which is unsustainable.

Mr Robinson mentioned: “What’s enraging for people listening is effectively you’re saying ‘this is up to the Government, if they want us to spend more money they have to give it us’; the unions are saying ‘it’s up the government’ and we all sit around waiting for what?”

The RDG argued they aren’t ‘sitting around’ and mentioned it desires to have negotiations, however the RMT should put their supplied 9 % pay rise over two years provide to their members.