by Richie Venton, SSP national workplace organiser All the worst enemies of working class people and their organisations have combined in a vitriolic onslaught against the RMT union and its members – rail-workers in particular. Tory Minister Chris Grayling arrogantly accused the RMT of “looking for excuses to be militant”. Filthy rags like the Sun (of […]
The battle for train safety through keeping the guards has won a big breakthrough but it’s not over, and further negotiations this Tuesday/Wednesday could either lead to more concessions and a settlement or revived strikes – and either way, much debate amongst rail workers. – the leaflet tries to puncture some of ScotRail bosses’ latest […]
Rock solid strikes by RMT ScotRail guards have put the arrogant Abellio bosses on the run, writes Richie Venton After months of refusing to even consult or negotiate with the unions in their reckless gamble with safety, Scotrail Abellio bosses have now been forced to guarantee guards on all the new electrified multiple unit (EMU) […]
Our workplace organiser writes a letter of solidarity to those striking today. Dear brothers and sisters, At today’s meeting of the Scottish Socialist Party national executive committee (NEC) I reported on the issues behind your strike, the updated position in your battle against wholesale Driver Only Operations (DOO) trains, and the role of Abellio Scotrail […]
by Richie Venton, SSP national workplace organiser Anyone with an ounce of experience of working life knows that when a senior manager – and more especially if it’s the Managing Director – starts telling a worker they “want to share things with you”, you’d be wise to get your guard up, mind your back, and […]
by Richie Venton, SSP national workplace organiser Earlier today I and others from the SSP joined a big, determined demonstration outside the Scottish parliament, called by the RMT in support of their fight to Keep the Guards on our trains, to make our trains safe. Striking conductors/guards were there in good number, alongside other RMT […]
by Richie Venton, SSP national trade union organizer Back in August 1963 there was an almighty hue and cry when Ronnie Biggs, Bruce Reynolds and their pals meticulously planned and executed the theft of £2.6million from the Glasgow to London Royal Mail train. In today’s money, that was £48m stolen (and never recovered) in the […]
by Richie Venton, SSP national trade union organiser The morning before the first 24-hour strike by Scotrail train guards/conductors in defence of public safety, a group of RMT union activists gathered outside Abellio’s Glasgow HQ. They brought their own table and chairs, and set it up outside the entrance to the Dutch state company’s offices […]