The East London tube Line is to be extended overground south to West Croydon and North to Dalston Junction, both main line rail connections. This is a good idea. The Mayor's office tells us that the only way to finance this is by privatisation. If we look at the real picture a different story emerges.
If there was no cash to be made on this line, why are the privateers falling over each other to get the tender? They know that the link is worth millions.
If the East London line was kept in house and the railway system was taken back into public hands, the future London Overground would pay for itself a thousand times over. So why privatise?
It further fragments the railway and its workforce, making united industrial action under present laws impossible.
The workforce on the East London line has already been asked to state preferences for where they want to work in future. We need action to stop the rot now.
This is the thin end of the wedge. If this piece of the Underground goes others will follow. If they can sell this off what is to stop them selling the Rickmansworth branch of the Metropolitan Line or the Wimbledon Branch of the District Line?
London Underground workers enjoy reasonable pay and conditions compared to other rail service providers. This privatisation is the first shot in the war to drive down our pay and conditions by selling off our jobs.
It is also bad news for passengers. We pay for the London transport system through fares and taxes. Why should they be allowed to give it away?
Hackney Trades Council have set up a petition on:
htpp://www.hackneytuc.org.uk/node/359
Please sign the petition and distribute it as widely as possible.
