Woke rail chiefs axe terms like pilotman & banksman in favour of gender-neutral language

WOKE rail chiefs have axed railway terms such as pilotman and banksman in favour of gender-neutral language.

Staff blasted Network Rail bosses for “virtue-signalling”, urging them to focus on improving services instead of tinkering with terminology.

It comes after workers were issued with an updated set of job titles and phrases last week and instructed to sign a form to confirm they will observe the changes.

Among the alterations, pilotman — a railway worker who directs trains through hazardous stretches of track — has been axed.

PC managers have decided it should be replaced by pilot.

Staff have also been told to say traffic marshal instead of banksman in case someone is offended.

Manned level crossings are to be known as manually controlled level crossings.

Meanwhile, staff have been asked not to eat in front of Muslim colleagues during the Islamic holiday of Ramadan, where many believers practise fasting.

An insider said: “These changes are from a lengthy list of demands invented by higher-ups to appear more with the times.

“But we’re looking more like a laughing stock.

“They should stick to improving services rather than virtue-signalling. It’s wokery gone mad.”

Network Rail was contacted for comment.

It comes after Oxfam was mocked for issuing a toe-curling 92-page “inclusive” language guide to staff.

The report warns that “parent” is often preferable to mother or father and the word “local” may be offensive to some.

Workers were also told to use “people who become pregnant” instead of “expectant mothers”.