Where trade unionists start their day on the net.
We have begun to compile reactions from unions in the UK to the terror attacks on the British capital this morning. Here are the first ones to come in:
RMT:
July 7, LONDON UNDERGROUND’S biggest union today expressed sympathy for the families of the dead and to those injured in today’s explosion and called for a security review of the Tube network.
“These terrible attacks show just how vulnerable commuters and Tube workers are,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.
“Tube workers and the emergency services have responded magnificently and there is now a clear need to review security after such an attack,” Bob Crow said.
ASLEF:
ASLEF London Underground drivers told to stay away from work today - Union urges comprehensive security review
Thursday 07-07-05
Train driver’s union ASLEF said today that London Underground were right to close the capital’s tube system in light of today’s explosions in the city. ‘None of our members will be reporting for late shift duties today, while the whole underground system is searched for any other packages or suspect items,’ said Keith Norman, the union’s general secretary.
‘It is a terrible reversal of the atmosphere yesterday when we saw the news spinners at work portraying an efficient and modern city ready for the Olympics. We have been reminded that we have a lot to do before that vision is a reality.
‘We need to gather the wisdom of all sections of the population to reclaim our peaceful and secure city.’
Trades Union Congress:
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'These attacks have brought out the best in London’s workforce. Emergency service and transport workers have earned the gratitude and admiration of everyone affected by these outrages.
'We offer our sympathy and condolences to everyone who has suffered in today’s atrocities. They were an indiscriminate attack on the population of one of the world’s most diverse cities.
'We have received messages of support from trade unions around the world including those who have suffered from similar terrorist attacks.
'When the immediate emergency is over, we will look for an opportunity to bring London’s workforce together in all its diversity to show our unity in opposition to terrorism.'
Scottish TUC:
STUC expresses its horror at events in London.
STUC Deputy General Secretary Grahame Smith today said
"The STUC expresses its sympathy and solidarity to Londoners who have been affected by today’s tragic events. We also pay tribute to the emergency services - public service workers - who are helping and assisting the injured in this terrible tragedy.”
Texts appearing here are often press releases sent to us by unions and other organizations which do not appear elsewhere on the web. LabourStart takes no responsibility for their content.