My first time speaking at my home station. Representing KGX branch, our members & customers. This wouldn’t have been achievable without the support from the public for @RMTunion but also my incredible comrades&mentors - Alex (pictured) & my branch secretary. #SaveTicketOffices ✊🏾
Superb day as always marching with @RMTunion friends and comrades at the 140th @DurhamGala
The bands, the speeches the solidarity make it all so special and a massive turnout.
Long may it continue and flourish with the care of the @DurhamMiners
Our unity is our strength ✊🏼❤️
On the announcement that Merseyrail will be brought into public ownership, RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said:
"This is a positive step for rail workers, passengers and the wider Liverpool City Region, and one that our union has consistently campaigned for.
"For too long, private operators and their shareholders have profited from a railway sustained by significant public investment. Bringing Merseyrail into public ownership creates the opportunity to reinvest resources into the network, improve services and put the interests of passengers and the workforce ahead of private profit.
"This announcement opens the door to building a railway that is properly accountable to the communities it serves. Success will depend on ensuring that the workforce is fully involved in shaping the future of the railway, with secure jobs, fair pay, safe staffing levels and high-quality services at its heart.
"We look forward to meeting with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to discuss how the new publicly owned operator can be developed to deliver the greatest possible benefits for both workers and passengers."
RMT marks 21st anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings
Tube union RMT is today marking the 21st anniversary of the 7 July 2005 London bombings by remembering the 52 people who lost their lives, the hundreds who were injured and all those affected by the attacks.
The union also paid tribute to the courage and professionalism of London Underground workers, emergency service personnel and other public service workers who responded to the terrorist attacks and helped protect passengers in the immediate aftermath.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "Twenty-one years on, we remember the 52 people who were killed, the hundreds injured and everyone whose lives were changed forever by the events of 7 July 2005.
"RMT London Underground members were on the front line that day. In the face of unimaginable circumstances, they showed exceptional courage, professionalism and dedication as they helped evacuate passengers, supported the emergency response and kept people safe.
"Their actions are a lasting reminder of the indispensable role played by trained, safety-critical transport workers.
"As we remember those we lost, we also pay tribute to every transport worker, firefighter, police officer, paramedic and public servant who responded with such bravery in London's darkest hour."
Passengers back rail insourcing:
Nearly 70 per cent of rail passengers believe Great British Railways should deliver services such as cleaning, catering, and security in-house.
https://t.co/SikBJoN3g1
🪧 RMT Mega picket Manchester…
Fighting for workplace justice and fairness 🪧
Avanti West Coast Manchester Station Grades picket line outside Manchester Piccadilly
My new book on the history of British South Asian political activism is available to pre-order now!
Get 30% off on the Manchester University Press website by using the discount code SAHM30.
#SouthAsianHeritageMonth
Earlier this month, I was honoured to address @RMTunion AGM. For +25 years, from Bob Crow to Eddie Dempsey, this union has shown solidarity with 🇨🇺 isn't a gesture but a practice: opposing the US blockade, the oil siege, supporting the Cuba Vive medical appeal.
#CubaNoEstáSola