The future of Hitachi Rail and its workers in the North East is under threat as the company faces a gap in train orders. Criticism has been directed at both local Labour councils and the Tory government for their roles in the situation. Local Labour councils have been criticized for awarding a metro contract to a Swiss company, leading to increased costs and delivery failures. Meanwhile, the government has been accused of inaction despite being aware of the potential crisis for two years. The Transport Secretary, Mark_J_Harper, has been specifically urged to intervene to secure jobs. Hitachi Rail is considering all options after failing to find a solution, with orders set to run out in October and HS2 work due to begin in 18 months. Ministers and union leaders are scheduled for crucial talks in London to discuss the company's future. The situation puts 750 factory jobs and 1400 supply chain jobs at risk.
The Govt could’ve stepped in to protect jobs 2 yrs ago but they’ve sleep walked into another crisis. 100s of jobs at risk in the NE but the Tories simply aren’t bothered. We don’t matter to them! We need to stop this zombie govt before it drains the life from our great region. https://t.co/JT7ZJAGnyL
Ministers and union leaders will meet in London tomorrow for crunch talks over Hitachi's future The Echo understands orders are set to run out in October, and with HS2 work due to begin in 18 months, they urgently need something to plug the gap https://t.co/39GLxNPfyx
Hitachi Rail is reviewing "all remaining options" after it said no solution was found to plug a gap in train orders at its plant in Newton Aycliffe. https://t.co/knoEQc86MI
The Govt have seen this issue coming a mile off but have sat back and done nothing. @Mark_J_Harper must urgently step in to secure the future of rail manufacturing in the North East https://t.co/idZhpO1LTy
750 jobs in the factory. 1400 in the supply chain. Govt have known about @Hitachi’s cliff edge for 2 years! With a stroke of a pen the Transport Secretary could extend an existing contract and secure these jobs. Instead? Nothing. Utter contempt for this vital industry and… https://t.co/idjUlyIJUw
The Tory government need to act now to save not just the jobs at Hitachi but the many more in the supply chain. https://t.co/16vs6CRQXT
North East labour councils failed Hitachi when they decided to give the metro contract to a Swiss company (who have failed to deliver and increased costs). I wonder if anyone warned them at the time🤔 Labour again failing to support local jobs https://t.co/KN0YPApcio https://t.co/42njNUM0fO