British Transport Workers Join US Teamsters Protest At National Express AGM

Representatives of RMT and Unite will be joining a 20 strong delegation of US Teamsters at a protest against union-busting outside the AGM of global transport giant National Express, tomorrow 9th May at 2pm at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG.

Coach and bus operator National Express has faced growing protests from US bus drivers who have accused the company of "anti-worker, anti-union" policies.

Members of the Teamsters union, which represents more than a million transport workers across the US, and the British trade unionists, recently held a "rally for respect" outside the firm's Birmingham headquarters.

National Express, the second-biggest operator of school buses in the US, stands accused of disciplining and sacking workers involved in union activities, as well as putting union activists under surveillance. In a letter to be delivered to the company's bosses, Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa said that the company "continues to violate the wishes of workers who wish to form a union and engage in collective bargaining." Mr Hoffa said that the company's policies meant workers were being deprived of "decent working conditions and respect."

National Express has a history of reward for failure in the UK, despite throwing back the keys when their franchise collapsed into chaos on the East Coast Main Line they continue to hoover up valuable public contracts. The company is headed by former Tube Lines chief Dean Finch – another company embroiled in spectacular failure on London Underground at public expense.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said;

“RMT stands shoulder to shoulder with our comrades from the Teamsters in their battle against the union-busters from National Express and we are pleased to be able to able to be able to join with them at their protest in London tomorrow."

“These global transport companies need to wake up to the fact that the trade union movement is acting internationally to challenge their anti-workers policies and their profiteering at public expense.”

> RMT National News

Friday, 16th October
RAIL UNION RMT members working as Train Managers for Chiltern Railways will take a further 24 hours of strike action this Saturday (17 October) as the company continues to refuse to provide guarantees over the safety-critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.
Thursday, 15th October
Maritime union RMT has welcomed Skills England’s decision on the future of maritime apprenticeships, including the vital Seafarer Deck Rating apprenticeship, which plays a crucial role in supporting jobs, skills and careers in Britain’s coastal communities.
Thursday, 15th October
OFFSHORE UNION RMT has condemned the introduction of Offshore Energy UK’s (OEUK) safe weight limit policy which comes into effect on 01 November 2026, warning that the restrictions could have serious consequences for offshore workers, their employment, and their livelihoods.
Monday, 12th October
An RMT member employed as a London Underground Revenue Control Inspector faces possible dismissal after intervening during an assault on staff and a passenger at Bond Street station.
Friday, 9th October
RMT members working as Train Managers for Chiltern Railways will be taking 24-hour strike action tomorrow (Saturday 10th October and also Saturday 17th October) after the company refused to provide guarantees over the safety critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.