Union pushes for introduction of Ministry of Supply

The RMT union used the Coronavirus situation to once again call for the railways to be taken under public ownership.

Meanwhile, TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes called on the Government to set up a Ministry of Supply immediately. He said that this department could focus on keeping the country moving, both medically and economically, in the coming months.

Both unions were commenting after Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said that people “obviously need to still be able to travel”.

In a statement on March 16, before Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the UK that where possible people should not travel, Cortes said: “What we need is a Ministry of Supply - a single government department which can take the lead in this crisis and make sure we can all pull together.

“Coronavirus will test us in ways we are only just beginning to understand, but we must keep the country moving and be able to supply healthcare and medicines.

“The Ministry should take over the running of all public transport and freight so that medical staff and other key workers are able to provide vital services to the people most in need.

“Just to keep our NHS and care systems working and supplied, several million people need to get to work every day. Hence, we must keep transport going.

“The Department would also be able to co-ordinate the supply of food, so that there are no needless shortages, and assist with food deliveries for those over 70 and other vulnerable members of our population.”

Cash said: “As it considers bailing out the private rail companies, the Government must now issue cast iron guarantees that as well as protecting transport services all transport jobs and skills, including those in the supply chain, must be protected.

“To achieve this, government must extend public ownership to the transport sector, such as expanding the Government’s Operator of Last Resort already in use on Northern and LNER.”

Meanwhile, after a driver on the Jubilee Line tested positive for COVID-19 having returned from Vietnam, drivers’ union ASLEF told its members to selfisolate if they have symptoms.

“Many people will also be concerned about family members who may be at high risk because of their age or underlying health conditions. As always, you should do what you feel is best for the welfare of your family. ASLEF will always support our members,” said Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s London Underground organiser.