The joint RMT, TSSA, TUC Campaign is gathering pace and the campaign has today written a joint letter to MPs, GLA Members, TFL Board Members and East London Line Councillors urging them to lobby the Mayor to oppose the privatisation of the London Underground East London Line.

The letter warns,

“…if the decision is not reversed the East London Line will become the first tube passenger service to be privatised. This has raised real concerns that this could be the thin end of the wedge, making it easier to argue for the privatisation of more tube lines in the future…”

The campaign has the backing of the TUC who voted unanimously for the East London Line to be kept in the public sector.

Thousands of campaign postcards to be sent to the Mayor have been distributed and there has been a hugely positive feedback from passengers in response to the leafleting of tube stations, echoing the RMT commissioned MORI poll which found that three quarters of people in London and the South East believe the line should stay in the public sector.

Sympathetic MPs agree and will shortly table a new parliamentary motion which will argue,

“…the benefits of an extended East London Line will be best achieved by the service remaining wholly in the public sector…”

The next stage of the campaign is the London Labour Party Conference on 25th November at Stratford. Please do all you can to attend the public meeting at lunchtime - it is vital that we have a big turnout to demonstrate the strength of feeling on this issue. If you can, please also attend the morning lobby where we will be publicising the meeting and our message to Labour Party delegates.

Please pass this message on to your workmates, family and friends.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary