RMT London Taxi Branch Urgent Press Release

LPH Notice 08/12 Dated 13.07.12

Read the notice here.

The RMT London Taxi Branch condemns absolutely the inflammatory and provocative statement to drivers at the conclusion of the notice that is intended to threaten drivers who wish to take part in a legitimate demonstration.

Driver who are members of this branch who are participating in the demonstration are assured of the following:

Full support will be given to any member who is harassed or persecuted for exercising their right of peaceful protest.

In addition RMT HQ will ensure that legal representatives and observers will be on hand and that as many media outlets from throughout the world are present at the demonstration to maximise publicity on this matter and expose to the world’s media any inappropriate responses from the authorities.

We therefore require the following:

• An immediate retraction of TPH Notice 08/12
• A meeting with senior staff at TfL to discuss the issues and the actions of Director LTPH.
• LOCOG/TfL to offer meaningful concessions even at this late stage to ensure our member’s access to the ORN unhindered.

The statement from TfL attempts to intimidate working cab drivers from exercising their legitimate right to protest and any action by the authorities against any such peaceful protest will not be accepted.
The TfL statement puts at risk the carefully negotiated arrangements that are in place on the Underground, London Overground, Bus Networkand National Rail concerning the Olympics as members in Union branches elsewhere will organise to defend their brothers & sisters in RMT London Taxi Branch.

This weekend is the commemoration of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Trade Unionists have gathered or will pause to reflect the injustices of that time and that continue against working people worldwide.
The RMT stands ready to defend their members.

Contact londontaxis@rmt.org