Unite the union, which represents thousands of workers employed throughout public transport in London, has given a cautious welcome, to the funding deal achieved by London mayor Sadiq Khan, which will keep public transport in the capital running.

TfL deal agreed

Mayor Khan has hammered out a deal with the government which will result in Transport for London (TfL) receiving £1.8 billion of funding which will ensure that public transport services in London will continue to be funded for a further six months.

The government has been forced to ditch highly controversial proposals that would have resulted in the congestion charge being extended to the north and south circular roads, fares being increased well above the rate of inflation and concessions for the elderly and the young being scrapped.

Stop gap deal

Unite regional secretary for London and Eastern Pete Kavanagh said: “This is a short term deal which is fair for Londoners and fair for the employees of TfL.

 “However this is a stop gap deal and further funding will be required to see London’s public transport through the full effects of the pandemic which has devastated revenues.

 “With this funding deal agreed it is essential that the focus is now entirely on ensuring that all TfL workers and passengers are kept safe during this second wave of the pandemic, while keeping London running.

 “It is essential that the government stops playing political games with TfL’s funding, while the private rail companies have received no strings bailouts, Londoners still have the threat of being punished for the pandemic hanging over them.

 “It is to be hoped that when the next funding deal is discussed early next year, proposals which would punish Londoners such as massively extending the congestion charge or huge fare increases are not revisited.

 “Unite has already received assurances that the latest funding deal will not result in the terms and conditions of TfL’s employees being reduced or their pensions being cut. Such assurances are needed for the long-term.

 “Going forward, it is vital that trust and confidence in public transport is rebuilt as quickly as possible, this cannot be achieved if services are cut or fares increased.

 ENDS

Notes to editors:

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.