Rail Safety Chaos as Trains Routed Wrong Way During Strikes
Rail safety fears are mounting after reports revealed trains were sent the wrong way and nearly left stations at red signals during yesterday’s strike. The TSSA union has blasted the dangerous mix of signalling errors and untrained staff handling critical roles, warning these blunders could spark serious accidents.
Signal Failures and Line Blockages Spark Alarm
TSSA received multiple reports of trains being routed incorrectly, risking disaster by sending them onto unsafe tracks. Compounding the crisis, signal boxes were reportedly left closed, safety warning signals weren’t activated, and stand-in staff tried to dispatch trains against red signals.
Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary: “Any one of these safety violations could have resulted in a serious accident, putting both passengers and rail workers at risk.”
Union Demands Immediate Investigation and Safety Guarantees
Manuel Cortes called for the rail safety inspectorate to launch an immediate probe into the alarming incidents. He stressed that safety can never be compromised—even during strikes—and that inexperienced personnel must not be put in safety-critical roles like signalling or train dispatch.
“We urge our members not to be pressured into doing work they feel is unsafe,” Cortes said. “The priority must always be safety.”
Union Urges Government to End Dispute, Avoid Dangerous Cut Corners
The TSSA emphasised that the only way to stop ongoing disruption and risky working practices is for the government to negotiate and resolve the dispute. Cutting corners on rail safety, especially during industrial action, puts both staff and passengers in grave danger.
