Published: Monday 28 October 2024
TUC Midlands joins supporters of Midlands Rail Hub
Today the TUC Midlands has joined supporters of the Midlands Rail Hub project, news that has been welcomed by Midlands Connect.
The TUC Midlands works with regional unions in delivering TUC campaigns and objectives as well as representing the views of trade unions to organisations and stakeholders across the Midlands.
The TUC joins Midlands Connect and its industry partners in wholeheartedly backing this scheme.
When it is delivered in full, the proposals would provide a massive uplift in capacity in the railway network in the Midlands, with up to 100 extra trains into Birmingham each day and many more services each day between our biggest cities in the West and East Midlands.
New analysis has shown that 12,750 new jobs are expected to become available thanks to the Midlands Rail Hub project. The Rail Hub is the region’s biggest rail improvement scheme and will serve more than 50 stations, covering 7 million people. Work is expected to run from 2025 until 2033 and will see the building of two ‘chords’ as well as further engineering interventions throughout the region.
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive Officer at Midlands Connect said:
“It is fantastic news the TUC in the Midlands has signed up as a supporter of the Midlands Rail Hub. The Rail Hub is our flagship project at Midlands Connect and the support of the TUC is a welcome one. We know that their members in transport, health and other unions are closely aligned to the government’s missions and we hope they can see, like we do, the Rail Hub will help deliver on these.”
Rob Johnston, interim Regional Secretary at TUC Midlands said:
“The Midlands Rail Hub is a vital infrastructure project for the Midlands. Delivery is vital if we are to maximise economic growth in our region and to drive the inclusive growth that will provide the good jobs and opportunities that we want for our communities.
“We look forward to working with Midlands Connect and all other regional stakeholders to make the case for the delivery of this vital project as quickly as possible.”