GRAND Central Rail has robustly denied claims it is aiming to recruit “slaves” to staff train stations.

Trade union ASLEF has criticised the rail operator of asking volunteers to work as ambassadors at unmanned stations to support customers.

However, Grand Central has defended its position, stating its “award-winning” Ambassador scheme has run for several years and does not replace staff.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, criticised the operator following a tweet from chief operating officer Sean English.

He said Mr English “cheekily” tweeted appealing for station ambassadors to volunteer at Wakefield Kirkgate station to contact him.

Mr Whelan said: “It’s outrageous that Grand Central expects unpaid volunteers to turn up to work and look after passengers at stations which are unmanned because the company wants to boost its profits by not employing – and properly paying – people to do a job.

“There are important safety and security issues here. It is important, for the safety of passengers and staff, such as train drivers, that stations are manned. And we know that infrastructure can be a target for terrorists.

It is utterly wrong that Grand Central, in pursuit of bigger profits, and bigger dividends for its German shareholders, won’t pay for staff at stations like Wakefield Kirkgate.

“And it is utterly wrong that Mr English is touting for ‘ambassadors’ to do a job which should be done by properly trained, and properly paid, staff.

“Ambassadors? That’s a line they used during the London Olympics. Mr English wants unpaid slaves to man his galley.’

A spokesperson for Grand Central responded: “Community Ambassador volunteers do not replace staff in safety related roles or any other capacity.

“Grand Central has run a volunteer based community scheme for over eight years on our North East and West Riding routes to welcome visitors to the area.

“As part of a long standing commitment to civic partnership, members of the public who are passionate about their community volunteer their time and have won awards for their efforts.

“The scheme is part of Grand Central’s deep rooted commitment to the communities it serves, providing direct train services to London which enable local businesses to thrive and opening up opportunities for leisure travel.

“The company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and is regularly rated Britain’s top train operating company by its customers in the National Rail Passenger Survey and Which? research.”