‘What our country needs’

In the first of Unite’s contributions to this year’s Labour Party conference in Brighton, Unite delegate Mike Hedges intervened in the discussions around transport.

He said that, “getting our transport services right is vital for jobs, for families, communities, for the economy, the environment and for social justice too.”

He welcomed Labour’s manifesto commitment to invest in a modern, integrated, accessible and sustainable transport system that is reliable and affordable.

“Tory policies on transport have failed,” he said. “Relentless deregulation, privatisation and fragmentation is no way to run a transport system.

“We need a major shift away from further privatisation and deregulation and towards more public ownership and accountability,” he added.

He quoted research by ‘Transport for Quality of Life’, and said the government’s plans for rail pursue private profit at the expense of passengers and rail workers.

Hedges stated Unite welcomed Labour’s commitment to bring private rail companies back into public ownership.

Moving on, the black cab driver told conference, “I’m a taxi driver, and every day we face moves to deregulate and weaken our employment standards. Just look at Uber.

“We praise the Mayor of London and TfL. Putting the safety of Londoners ahead of big corporate interests by not to renewing Uber’s licence to operate in London.

“We condemn those employers who shamelessly dodge their responsibilities by classifying workers as self-employed.

Landmark

“So we welcome the landmark employment tribunal judgement that Uber drivers are workers rather than self-employed. Drivers are entitled to holiday pay, paid rest breaks, and the national minimum wage.”

Hedges believed Labour’s manifesto commitment to reform the law on taxi and private hire services “will introduce national standards to guarantee safety and access, keeping pace with technology,” adding, “that’s what we need.”

Summing up Hedges called for “a properly integrated transport system.

“Bus networks need to interlink with rail networks or park and ride systems.

“Public transport requires transferrable ticketing and access to properly regulated taxis. Ports and airports need good road and rail links.

The cycling and walking investment strategy needs to be delivered.”

He urged conference to back a “properly accountable, integrated and accessible public transport system.

“It’s what our movement wants and it’s what our country needs.”

Watch Mike’s speech here