RAIL union RMT is demanding clear assurances from train operator First Group on the future of buffet cars, guards and engineering jobs on Great Western services.

RMT is fighting plans by First Group that would lead to the axing of buffet cars, on-board staff and maintenance workers on First Great Western and East Coast Inter-City services.

In a statement, which was issued in response to RMT's campaign, First Great Western managing director, Mark Hopwood, said: “The new trains design does not prevent hot and cold food being served on board. Our current HST fleet has a mixture of kitchens and standalone buffets but every set will have kitchen facilities on board. The new trains are not required to be driver only operated set doors can be operated from both within the train and from a central point in the drivers cab, like on some high speed trains and 'driver only' operated turbos which 'sets' will replace.”

In response to the points raised in the statement, RMT has asked First group to answer the following questions: • Should First Group be successful in their bid for the Great Western Franchise commencing in March 2015, will First Group be providing a buffet/car-bar facility on SET rolling stock in line with the recent announcement from East Coast Trains?

• Should First Group be successful in their bid for the Great Western Franchise commencing in March 2015, will First Group maintain its existing catering provisions which includes buffet cars/express café/restaurant services on HST rolling stock services not scheduled to be replaced by SET services.

• Should First Group be successful in their bid for the Great Western Franchise commencing in March 2015, will First Group give a clear assurance that Driver Only Operation will be a safety competent Guard/Train Manager/Conductor on all SET services?

• Should First Group be successful in their bid for the Great Western Franchise commencing in March 2015, will First Group support the principle of the TUPE transfer of engineering staff transferring to Hitachi from First Great Western protecting the job security, pay and terms and conditions of this skilled workforce?

• Further, that First Group will seek to maintain its existing establishment figures of its engineering grades.