Comment after the Chancellor's Spring Statement from TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust

Commenting after Rachel Reeves had delivered her Spring Statement, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: 

“This was a disappointing Spring Statement for TSSA members. The government has ignored the real issues facing the people who keep this country moving. Standards of living continue to decline, wages stagnate, and unfortunately there was no recognition of the vital role transport and travel workers play in the economy.

“We desperately need significant investment in our transport infrastructure to drive economic growth in every part of the UK. Instead, we saw cruel cuts to the Personal Independence Payments that help disabled people stay in work.

“The Chancellor is right that working people need more security. But instead of addressing fears over job losses under a future Great British Railways, the Chancellor confirmed them in the public sector. A publicly owned railway should serve the public, support rail workers, and boost the wider economy. Axing jobs is a false economy that undermines that goal.

“While any sign of economic stability is welcome in uncertain times, what's missing is a serious, long-term commitment to protecting transport jobs and improving conditions for workers on the ground. A fairer, greener transport future is still possible but only with significant investment in infrastructure and a government that values the workforce behind it.

“This is not a budget for the many TSSA members working hard every day to keep Britain moving. We expected better.”