Composite Motion: C17 Public ownership of the rail and bus industry

Motion 58 and amendments

Congress reiterates its support for re-nationalisation of the railways and believes the overwhelming case for public ownership has again been demonstrated by the performance of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) on the UK’s busiest rail passenger franchise. GTR has subjected passengers to daily misery caused by frequent cancellations, a 15 per cent cut in services and disgraceful industrial relations, including scapegoating staff for the company’s failures.

Congress is appalled that despite these failings and GTR being in default of its contract the government refused calls, including from mass passenger protest, to take the franchise into public ownership, demonstrating once again that this government’s priority is to put profits before passengers.

Congress calls on the government to stop meddling with the Southern franchise, remove the failed GTR privateers as its operator and include the London Mayor in rail services in and around London.

Congress notes the GTR dispute has been caused by the company and government proposals to threaten passenger safety and service by removing guards and introduce driver-only operation. Congress further notes the same proposals are being driven forward by the Scottish government on Scotrail.

Congress pays tribute to the striking GTR and Scotrail guards for their solidarity and determination and pledges to campaign against all staffing cuts and threats to safety on rail and tube.

Congress notes that the same ideology that is driving rail privatisation has also led the government to use its Buses Bill to seek to prevent local authorities from setting up municipal bus companies.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for the Bus Services Bill to:

i     remove the clause that prevents municipalisation

Ii     have trade unions as statutory consultees as worker representatives

Iii    regulate to protect minimum terms and conditions and pension standards for new employees not covered by TUPE.

Congress agrees to this campaign as part of a wider campaign for public ownership of buses and also for best possible conditions and protections for bus workers.

Mover: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Seconder: Unite

Supporter: Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association