News - TSSA Remembers Clapham Disaster 35 Years On

Rail union TSSA has restated its “unshakable commitment to safety" as a number one priority in remembering the Clapham Junction rail crash 35 years ago.  

Hundreds were injured and 35 people tragically lost their lives when faulty wiring caused three trains to collide shortly after 8am on the 12th December 1988. 

Commenting ahead of the anniversary of the crash, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Our union will always remember those who died or were injured at Clapham.  

“The very best way of honouring their memory is by making clear our unshakeable commitment to safety across the railways as a number one priority every day.  

“Clapham was a watershed moment for railway safety – one which led to limits of working hours and important changes to health and safety.  

“We have many brilliant members carrying out work which is central to the safety of millions of passengers. They know, as I know, that we forget the lessons of Clapham at our peril. 

“Recently we raised concerns about Network Rail’s plans to cut 500 jobs from its track renewal services. There can be no halfway house when it comes to a properly funded and staffed Network Rail as vital components of a safe running railway.” 

*Network Rail owns and maintains Britain’s rail infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, tunnels, viaducts, signalling, and many of the biggest stations. TSSA represents clerical, supervisory, technical and management grades employed by Network Rail. We do this on both a collective and individual basis. 

*TSSA has a strong network of union representatives across Network Rail. Our reps are there to support members in the workplace and ensure your voice is heard at all levels of the company.