Protests

From Bob Crow

Dear Colleague,

Rail bosses are using the recession as an excuse to attack jobs and conditions and cut back on services and essential rail works. Thousands of jobs are being threatened or have been lost. At the same time rail fat cats are raking in big profits and bonuses on the back of the most expensive fares in Europe. Make no mistake: as the recession worsens so will the attack on rail workers and rail services.

RMT reps and activists will be giving this leaflet on protests organised this week to coincide with the G20 summit. Click '1 attachment' / file name to download it. Read the text below.

RMT supports G20 protests
• Tube staff are on your side.
• A fight for public transport is a fight against climate change
• Support our upcoming strike.

We are on your side!

Dear Colleague

RMT members have been expressing their concerns regarding possible violent demonstrations in the capital over the coming week in relation to the G20 summit and I am writing to all employers and the British Transport Police on your behalf. It has been suggested in some parts of the national press that some of these demonstrations may be violent in nature. It is highly possible that the transport infrastructure could well be targeted as part of these demonstrations.

RMT flags fluttered as hundreds of members joined with thousands of other trade unionists to make a noise during the G20 world leaders' summit and tell them to Put People First.

Dear Colleague,

RMT members from around the country will be joining thousands of other trade unionists in central London this Saturday on the Put People First march – for jobs, social justice and the climate.

The demonstration, ahead of the summit of the ‘G20’ world leaders on the world financial crisis in London on April 2, will challenge them put the needs of people and communities ahead of corporate greed.

DEFEND JOBS – PUT SAFETY FIRST LOBBY OF NETWORK RAIL OFFICES – 11.00, FRIDAY 20th MARCH 2009 90 York Way, London N1 9AG

Members will be aware that in the name of efficiency savings Network Rail is deferring almost thirty per cent of previously planned renewals work for 2009/10.

The union estimates that 1000 jobs could be under threat by the deferrals which coupled with the cutting of scaling back of maintenance regimes and inspections will hugely increase safety risks.

Tell the G20 to PUT PEOPLE FIRST

In April 2009 the leaders of 20 of the world’s biggest economies meet in London against a backdrop of recession and global financial crisis.

On Saturday March 28, thousands of people will march through London as part of a global challenge to the G20 leaders to ‘put people first’.

Trade unions, environmental groups and charities have come together for this mobilisation and the message will be:

I have posted a recent article from Seaumus Milne of the Guardian on the recent wildcat strikes and protests. Definitely worth a read...

"The target of this campaign of strikes is now obvious

Attempts to paint the week of walkouts as anti-foreigner look silly now that Polish workers are joining the protests