New TfL Commissioner must have workforce at heart

Following the announcement that Andy Byford is standing down as Transport for London Commissioner on 24 October, transport union TSSA wishes him well and urges the next Commissioner to have the workforce at the organisation’s heart.

The union, which is the largest in Transport for London (TfL), has raised fears that a change at the top may signal further cuts by the Conservative government and is urging the next Commissioner to “build on relations with unions” and prioritise good industrial relations for the capital’s transport services.

Byford became Transport Commissioner in June 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and has overseen the delivery of the Elizabeth line and helped keep what TSSA have previously called a 'deliberate strategy of managed decline from the Tory Government' at bay with a recent funding deal.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “We are sorry to see Andy go. We may have not always seen eye to eye, but his commitment to public service and in particular, public transport in London, has been great. I want to wish Andy all the very best for the future.

“We really hope that Andy’s departure doesn't signal further cuts to Transport for London as the Tories’ long-term funding deal has already left huge holes in its finances.

“The next Commissioner needs to build on Andy Byford's relationship with TfL’s trade unions and the workforce, ensuring good industrial relations is at the heart of running our capital's transport services.”

Do you work for Transport for London? Join the biggest union in TfL today.