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date: 3 December 2009

embargo: for immediate release

Nexus sells off the family jewels

The TUC and trade unions are extremely disappointed with today's decision to award the contract to run the Tyne and Wear Metro to German company Deutsche Bahn.

Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary, Northern TUC said: 'Trade Unions and the TUC are extremely disappointed and saddened by the decision today to privatise the operating arm of the Tyne and Wear Metro. The fact is this has been a jewel in the crown of public services, with excellent delivery and performance, high customer satisfaction and a well-run service, all within the public sector.

'There are concerns about the performance of Deutsche Bahn, especially with regard to safety and maintenance management, but these do not appear taken into consideration as part of the evaluation process. Both workers and the travelling public should be concerned about this decision, the Government appear to have learnt nothing from botched and costly privatisations in the past, only this week Lord Adonis has admitted he can't even quantify the costs of renationalising the East Coast Main Line franchise.

'This is absolutely the wrong decision at absolutely the wrong time.'

Bill Green, Regional Officer, Unite the Union said: 'Unite are disappointed that the In House bid which was supported by our members was rejected, however we look forward to working with Deutsche Bahn, who have guaranteed no compulsory redundancies throughout the life of the franchise, this guarantee is exceptional in the economic climate we are in. We will seek to improve our members' terms and conditions of employment and continue to serve the public of Tyne & Wear.'

Sheila Wilson, Regional Officer for Unison added: 'This decision to privatise the operation of the Tyne and Wear Metro is very disappointing. The Metro has been a consistent example of excellent public sector delivery, demonstrating high quality performance and excellent value for money. It is hard to understand how Deutsche Bahn could have been regarded as offering the best option. We will now have to sit down with them and develop a positive relationship to ensure the best interests of the workforce and the travelling public will be protected.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Kevin Rowan T: 0191 227 5550; M: 07766250074 E: krowan@tuc.org.uk

Press release (500 words) issued 3 Dec 2009