BRITAIN’S largest rail freight firm DB Cargo announced plans to shed nearly 30 per cent of its workforce yesterday.
The company, owned by German state-owned operator Deutsche Bahn, blamed “unprecedented challenges” facing the rail freight industry because of the “dramatic decline in core markets such as coal” for proposals to make 893 workers redundant.
Rail unions demanded government intervention.
The HS2 debacle exposes what happens when public infrastructure is handed to private contractors – especially when set against China’s state-led high-speed rail success, says CARLOS MARTINEZ
Two-hundred years ago, on September 27 1825, the world’s first passenger railway line was opened between Stockton and Darlington. MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, reflects on the history – and the future – of Britain’s railway industry
On the eve of the 157th Trades Union Congress, MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, celebrates victory in his campaign to get dignity for drivers at work


