The following has been provided by Pete Middleman, PCS NW Regional Secretary:
It is with
great regret that I have to inform you that the 20th October “A
future that works” train chartered by the NUT from Preston (calling at Wigan
and Warrington) has been cancelled at short notice.
This is
entirely the fault of the locomotive supplier, DB Schenker, who have
been unable to secure sufficient drivers. The Train Chartering Co Ltd,
advised the NUT of this problem yesterday afternoon which prompted a round
of in-depth and high level negotiations about alternative arrangements, sadly
without success.
These matters
are beyond the control of PCS but I feel I must apologise sincerely for the
inconvenience it will no doubt cause.
At this stage
it is impossible to do anything other than to advise those who were registered
with us to travel on those services that they may wish to consider making
alternative arrangements.
Members can
purchase their own tickets on scheduled train services operated by Virgin
Trains or examine the possibility of travelling by coach. Details of coach
transport from the region can be found here.
We will
reimburse such claims in the normal manner on the condition that you reply to
this email to confirm your intention to do so and provide the names of those
you are to purchase tickets for*.
Members who
chose to do this should be warned however that Saturday morning train services
from the north west to London are likely to be extremely busy and we can not be
responsible for a lack of seat reservations or for passengers being refused
travel by Virgin staff owing to overcrowded trains.
Once again,
please accept our apologies for this unsatisfactory turn of events. We
hope as many of you as possible are still able to join us.
*Individual claims will only be met for members
and/or family members who were registered with us for travel on the affected
NUT Charter trains at the date of this message and the usual PCS Travel and Subsistence
rules apply
