Hypothetical News Correspondent DPC Ed
Sir Kier Starmer delivered an impassioned plea to the British public to support the RMT in it’s bid for better pay and work conditions.
“I urge the British public to stand by our Rail workers,” Sir Kier said when visiting the RMT headquarters today. “It is in our interests as people who use public transport as much as it is in those who work to ensure it runs safely and reliably.
“Today we can work from home. Explain to your boss that to safeguard your future ability to travel into work you feel you must take action now.”
Sir Kier went on to mention ways in which ordinary people could support striking workers whilst minimizing personal disruption.
“If you are planning a pleasure trip, why not postpone it? If your trip is essential for health or grave personal reasons, take your car, or ask a friend or neighbor for a kindness. If you are in a position to offer transport then register on our app, where you will be put in touch with people in your area who need a lift to somewhere important. “
If you try these and other options and they prove impossible get in touch with your local Labour representative’s office. We’ll make sure your important journey takes place.”
Sir Kier then made a surprise statement on the politics, or on what he claimed was not the politics, of the strike action.
“I was asked what would a Labour government do if faced with a strike of similar circumstance. Or any strike in which the action is clearly justified. Are we not exploiting a situation that would, just as for the Tories, place us in a difficult position? Would not a Labour government feel its authority was being challenged regardless of the justice of the action? I answered that if a Labour government responded in the same way when the justice of the action was clear, I hope the public would respond as I am urging you to respond now. Support the strike.
“This is not about politics. Though politicians may reduce it to that. It is about people’s lives. Democracy means we can challenge our governments, and I would not be a democrat if I failed in my duty to support workers . Therefore I should be challenged if ever i failed to do what i am urging us all to do now. To support the strike.
“Let us stand together. The well being of those who serve us is the well being of us all.”