Cabinet minister declares war on union ‘bullies’ as rail strikes threaten to ruin Bank Holiday getaway
Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin said the government will not allow the travelling public to be held ransom by RMT leaders
A CABINET minister blasted union “bullies” behind a wave of rail strikes last night and declared: “It’s war.”
Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin accused militants of treating passengers with contempt by trashing their services.
And he warned that the government would not let the travelling public be held to ransom by their demands.
The former Transport Secretary lashed out as union leaders announced a fresh series of strikes timed to wreck Bank Holiday travel plans for thousands of holidaymakers.
It will be the worst campaign of industrial action to hit the rail network in 30 years – and will cause maximum disruption on the busiest routes.
The RMT is in dispute over jobs, working conditions and safety.
But Mr McLoughlin accused hardliners of co-ordinating politically-motivated strikes to create chaos.
He said: “This wave of unnecessary disruption has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with union bosses trying to bully commuters.
“They have boasted that their strike action is a war, and they are waging it against the travelling public.”
Workers will stage three 24-hour stoppages on the Virgin Trains-run East Coast Mainline.
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About 1,800 rail workers will walk out on Friday August 26 when many families are due to head for weekend breaks – before striking again on Bank Holiday Monday.
The other strike will be next Friday at the start of another busy weekend.
Mr McLoughlin said The Sun on Sunday’s investigation into the fleet of cars used by union leaders show how out of touch with the travelling public.
He stormed: “The contempt these bosses have for working people, including their own members, can be seen in the inflation busting pay increases they award themselves.
“Meanwhile they waste thousands on private cars so they don’t have to use the rail services they are intent on trashing.
The minister added: “The fact that Labour are rallying behind these RMT bullies shows there’s only one party standing up for everyone in our society.
“Our Conservative Government will not give in to bully boy tactics. We are determined to deliver a railway service that works for everyone.”