WHY RMT IS MARCHING

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2012 :: RMTnews 5 RMT members should join the demonstrations in London, Glasgow and Belfast on October 20 to stop the attacks on their industry in the name of austerity The Con Dem government has launch the biggest attack on jobs and public spending for a generation which has sent the economy into a double dip recession with 2.59 million unemployed. This strategy has meant cuts to public services and the privatisation of the NHS and education, benefits slashed and the value of pensions cut. This has been accompanied by more anti trade union legislation, fees for Employment Tribunal applications, weaker health and safety rules and a massive cut in health and safety inspectors. On London Underground thousands of jobs have already been lost as the government cuts funding, which will lead to even more cuts, and more attacks on safety, pay and conditions London’s mayor and the government want to re-privatise tube infrastructure at the earliest opportunity and to drive all this through without resistance they are considering plans to ban strikes on the underground. The government also wants to slash billions of pounds for funding of the railway, leading to the loss of 20,000 rail jobs and attacks on safety, pay and conditions, and massive fare increases. The Tory-led government wants to see the break up and sell off Network Rail, creating what government consultants have called ‘Mini Railtracks’ and they have proposed new ‘super-franchises’ which will give the train operating companies even more freedom to cut services, de-staff stations and ticket offices and extend Driver-only operation. Local authorities are also slashing bus budgets and cutting all their supported bus services, leaving many parts of the country without any form of public transport. The government is refusing to close legal loopholes which allow shipping and offshore companies to pay seafarers below the national minimum wage, encouraging widespread social dumping. Hundreds of jobs and future UK maritime skills are under threat through cuts in funding to Royal Fleet Auxiliary and potential privatisation of essential Scottish ferry services. Say NO to government cuts. There is an alternative. The London demonstration assembles from 11am at Embankment for a march to Hyde Park. The Glasgow demonstration assembles at 11am for a march to Glasgow Green. The Belfast demonstration assembles at 11am at UA Art College on York Street for a march to Custom House Square. RMT members should join the demonstrations in London, Glasgow and Belfast on October 20 to stop the attacks on their industry in the name of austerity WHY RMT IS MARCHING!