9 September 2024
RMT Press Office:
Transport union RMT, welcomed more local authorities in England being given powers to take control of bus services today.
Legislation to implement a franchising system, giving them control over routes, timetables, and fares, with operators bidding for fixed-fee contracts to run services is being tabled by the Labour government in Parliament.
At the TUC Congress in Brighton, RMT moved a successful motion for a progressive transport agenda, applauding the pledge to create Great British Railways (GBR) and putting transport services back into public hands.
However, the union wants to see an end to privatised rail freight sector, the government dealing with the rolling stock companies and an end to outsourcing.
Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, said: “Labour’s announcement on buses and their plans for nationalising the railways are welcome and will make a big difference to transport workers and passengers.
"However, we want to see the profit motive taken out of transport, particularly in the rail freight sector and the rolling stock leasing companies dealt with.
"Outsourcing is a scourge on our transport network and the companies involved in this super exploitation must be removed from our industry.
"Our members in maritime also want to see a mandatory Seafarers’ Charter to protect maritime jobs and improve conditions following the P&O scandal.
"Only by having a fully publicly owned and integrated transport system can we have an industry that benefits workers and passengers alike."
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