Unions and government work to keep transport sector running
On Wednesday Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy joined other trade union leaders in a conference call with government ministers at the Department for Transport to discuss measures to support the transport sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mike raised issues around the importance of air traffic control services and the severe impact of the pandemic on all workers in the aviation sector.
The government and unions issues the following joint statement:
Joint statement from the Department for Transport and transport trade unions
“Today the Department for Transport and all major transport-focused trade unions held the first in a series of ministerial calls to discuss the impact of coronavirus on the transport industry and its workers.
“On the call, the government and unions reiterated the importance of working together at this crucial time for the country to ensure that all areas of the industry and all the people working within it have the appropriate support needed over the coming period.
“Both the government and the unions underlined the vital role that transport workers play in keeping the country moving and ministers recognised the importance of maintaining worker safety and support for businesses.
“Transport ministers have pledged to work tirelessly with the unions to support staff in the transport industry through not only the immediate challenges but also the issues that will affect the sector once the country has overcome this pandemic. Further calls with this group will take place over the coming weeks and months.”
This statement has been agreed by the Department for Transport and the following trade unions: Unite, GMB, Prospect, Nautilus International, RMT, ASLEF, TSSA, BALPA, and TUC.