Bombardier unions Unite and RMT, have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond, to demand comprehensive answers to why the Government excluded Bombardier from a £1.5 billion train building contract for Thameslink trains.

The two unions are seeking clarification from the Government as to why it has apparently chosen a consortium led by Siemens based on its ability to raise capital above its capability to produce, manufacture and maintain the trains over the 30 year life of the contract. Furthermore, the unions have demanded confirmation that the government has awarded preferred bidder status to a consortium that has not yet developed and approved a crucial component called a “bogie” (wheel axle  for trains). If it is the case that Siemens has not yet produced an approved “bogie” why was Siemens’ consortium awarded preferred bidder status?

Diana Holland and Bob Crow write: “We also understand, and find it remarkable if this is correct, that Siemens has not yet even developed a “bogie” or wheel axle for the trains it will supply. Indeed, it appears that Siemens has actually approached Bombardier and asked it to supply this “bogie”. It took Bombardier over ten years to develop its “Flexx Eco bogie” which is lighter than any other “bogie” on the market and is therefore considerably better for the environment than other models currently available. It will simply not be possible for Siemens to produce a comparable “bogie” in a two year timeframe.”  
 
Unite assistant general secretary, Diana Holland, said: “Was the Government’s decision more about raising cash rather than building trains, and if Siemens has not yet developed a crucial component, how can the Government guarantee the trains will arrive on time? Bombardier’s workforce, and the public deserve answers.” She added; “To date all we’ve had from the government is a catalogue of excuses rather that a compelling case for choosing Siemens over Bombardier. The government’s decision to exclude Bombardier from the Thameslink contract is a national scandal. 3000 jobs are at risk, plus the future of train manufacturing in this country. The Government’s decision is a social and economic bombshell for Derby and the East Midlands.”

RMT General secretary Bob Crow said: “The more that emerges about the Thameslink contract stitch-up the murkier it gets, but the bottom line is that a government that says it wants to create jobs is actively trying to destroy them in Derby. “It is extraordinary that the government ignored the most basic piece of engineering in awarding the Thameslink contract to Siemens, underlining that the decision is fundamentally flawed and should be reversed. “Ministers need to stop using pathetic excuses to wriggle out of providing information on the tendering process and come clean with frank and open answers on a decision that threatens to kill off train-making in Britain.”