Let the people of Plymouth decide
7th November 2009
Unite challenges Plymouth Tories to put privatisation of
Plymouth Citybus to a referendum.
Unite, Britain and Ireland’s biggest Union, will today
(Saturday) challenge Tory-run Plymouth city council to put its
plans for the privatisation of Plymouth Citybus to a referendum of
the people of Plymouth.
Deputy general secretary of Unite, Jack Dromey, will challenge
Tory leader Vivien Pengelly to put privatisation to a referendum
when he addresses a meeting of Plymouth Citybus workers at the
Citybus Social Club, Milehouse, Plymouth at 2pm.
This follows 25,000 Plymouth City residents signing a petition
and writing to their councillors urging the council not to proceed
with selling off of what Jack Dromey will today call: “The 'Jewel
in the Crown' of Britain’s bus services, and an efficient and
effective public service, owned by the people of Plymouth and one
that has served the people of Plymouth well.
“Privatisation is pure dogma. The sorry history of deregulation
of Britain’s bus services is one of a poorer service, rising fares
and shabby treatment of loyal and long-serving bus workers. The
people of Plymouth value their bus service and their voice is
clear. Yet Vivien Pengelly has been deaf to reason, ignoring 25,000
residents who have already spoken out.
“If councillor Pengelly has the courage of her convictions, then
let the people of Plymouth decide in a referendum. City residents
want democracy, not dogma, a good public bus service, not failed
privatisation. We trust the people. They should have the final
word.”
ENDS
For further confirmation please contact: Jack Dromey on 07976
833362 or Clayton Roberts, plymouth regional industrial organiser
on 07711 057109.
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