RMT calls for Government to immediately reinstate Transport for London grant to protect safety and services

Amid reports that Transport for London is facing a £1 billion funding gap next year, transport union RMT is calling on the Government to immediately reinstate the full revenue grant being cut as part of its austerity measures.

The union is warning that the funding crisis could have devastating consequences for safety and services as well as impacting severely on the London and wider UK economy.

RMT confirmed today that it would be writing to the Minister for London, Jo Johnson, seeking urgent talks on the crisis.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“I am writing today seeking urgent talks with the Minister for London, Jo Jonson, over this massive financial crisis that is now looming large over transport services in London.

“Our members who operate transport in the Capital are telling us loud and clear that this funding crisis will have a severe impact on safety and services if action isn’t taken urgently. This crisis in funding will also have a major impact on jobs and the economy in London which would ripple out across the South East and the rest of the country.

“We don’t need politicians of any political colour using this issue as a political football, we need action now to reinstate London’s transport grant to at least its previous levels as an absolute minimum.

“RMT is not only campaigning for proper funding of London Transport we are also making it clear that we will be resisting any transport austerity in London, and the associated threat to jobs, services and safety, with every tool at our disposal including the use of industrial action if necessary.”