Friday 23 October 2020
For immediate release
UNISON calls on the government to rethink its new TfL funding proposal
Public service workers delivering essential services will be hit hard unless the government rethinks its new Transport for London funding proposal, says UNISON.
The current plan to make up a funding shortfall would see Londoners hit with a triple whammy of increased transport fares, higher council tax bills and a wider congestion charge. This is effectively punishing Londoners for doing the right thing during the Covid-19 pandemic by staying at home, says UNISON.
Staff working at TfL have made sacrifices over the last five years to bring the transport body’s finances under control and the government knows this, says the union.
Additionally, public service workers who have been on the frontline during the pandemic, will be those most affected by the proposals, as they travel to deliver important services on which London relies.
UNISON London regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe said: ‘The government has agreed to give private train operators an 18-month blank-cheque funding deal, so they can continue to run a profit.
“Meanwhile, all Londoners are asking for is Boris Johnson to listen to London’s elected Mayor and agree a fair deal that doesn’t punish them for being key workers.
“They shouldn’t have additional charges and taxes forced on them when so many people are already facing financial hardship.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Emma Davey M: 07432 733187 E: e.davey@unison.co.uk