Mike Hogan in Liverpool reports on the continuing struggle of RMT union members to maintain safe conditions for railway workers and passengers. The rest of the labour movement must give the train workers their full support and solidarity in this fight.
The RMT started the year by intensifying their industrial campaign against Driver Only Operation (DOO). Three days of strike action took place on the 8th,10th and 12th January, involving union members on Greater Anglia, South Western, Northern and Merseyrail. Members on Southern rail were also on strike on 8th January.
The union is determined to protect the position of guard on board trains. This is a critical safety measure. As banners on the picket lines proclaim: this strike is about safety.
In Liverpool, members of Walton CLP have organised solidarity pickets. These have drawn support from Labour members in the other four local constituencies. Party members assist the RMT in giving out leaflets and talking to the public on strike days. This action has been warmly received by train workers on the picket lines.
Over 80 turned up to the solidarity picket at Lime Street station on 12th January. Striking union members have also been happy to receive the consistent support of Walton’s Labour MP, Dan Carden, who has made his position clear: “the Merseyside travelling public have supported the retention of guards throughout this dispute.”
Unfortunately not all of Labour’s representatives have supported the guards. It was the Labour councillors on the Merseytravel Committee, just over a year ago, who approved DOO. They were supported in this decision by the Liverpool Mayor, Joe Anderson.
In November, Anderson and the Liverpool Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, criticised the RMT for the continuing dispute. They also criticised Merseyrail and called for talks. But unlike Dan Carden, they have not expressed support for the guards. Indeed, they are complicit in the decision.
For RMT members, this is extremely disappointing. Rotheram supported Jeremy Corbyn in the last leadership contest, and the shadow transport secretary, Andy McDonald, has expressed solidarity with the union’s case. Striking union members can’t understand why a Labour politician doesn’t take the side of the union against an operator, Serco-Arbellio, that makes £16 million a year from Merseyrail. Surely they can spare the £5 million necessary to keep the guards?
A letter from Merseyrail to the guards makes it clear that the company are not prepared to compromise. According to RMT general secretary Mick Cash, this shows that:
“Merseyrail’s mask has slipped, and the Metro Mayor and the other politicians who have been echoing their nonsense need to decide whether they support the most profitable private train operator in the country or the passengers and rail staff who want to put safety first.”
The answer from RMT members was another series of solid strikes. This shows their determination to win for themselves and for the safety of the travelling public.
Donations can be sent to strikers via:
Merseyrail Solidarity Fund
Unity Trust Bank
Sort code 60-83-01
Account no. 20388537.
