Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether train operating companies impacted by industrial disputes can (a) communicate or (b) hold discussions with trade unions about changes to pay, pensions or other terms and conditions, or about redundancy or restructuring plans, without first seeking his mandate to ensure they do not incur any financial penalties.
The current rail discussions are being held at a national level between industry representatives and trade union General Secretaries in advance of more specific negotiations within individual train operating companies.