UNION leaders are calling for urgent talks with a new rail franchise holder in a bid to protect staffing.

Rail union RMT wants to meet with the new Abellio West Midlands consortium, which was awarded the franchise currently held by London Midland by the Department of Transport last week – serving Crewe, Winsford, Hartford and Acton Bridge.

RMT is hoping to discuss train and station staffing as an urgent concern for the consortium, which consists of Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui and Co.

Mick Cash, general secretary at RMT, said: "RMT is demanding urgent talks with the Abellio West Midlands consortium over the guards, ticket offices and station staffing.

"The union has already made it clear that we will fight any moves to de-staff trains and stations on the new franchise and we will be looking to secure assurances from the company before they take over in a few months time."

The current London Midland contract is due to end this December.

RMT remains locked in negotiations with neighbouring rail franchise holders Arriva Rail North and Merseyrail over the future of train guards.