Oxford Councillors support TSSA dispute

Labour councillors in Oxford have come out in support of TSSA members with a public show of solidarity for rail workers.

TSSA is in dispute with Network Rail and train operators over job security, pay and terms and conditions. Members in multiple employers have voted yes in industrial action ballots, with more results still to come.

Six Labour Oxford City Councillors have publicly backed TSSA members in their pursuit of a pay rise and job security, taking part in a photo shoot outside Oxford Town Hall.

"It's fantastic to have the support of our local Labour councillors in this dispute” said TSSA rep and Oxford Trades Union Council delegate John Partington. “It's been a great boost to our members in Network Rail and train operators who really welcome the public display of support."

The idea for a photo op came from Labour councillor Paula Dunne (Cowley Ward), who explained: "I am an active trade unionist and I have seen first-hand companies feeling emboldened by the pandemic trying to worsen pay and conditions using fire and rehire tactics, mass redundancies and worsening pension schemes. If we don't fight back, where does it stop? We are in a cost-of-living crisis and need to demand better, which is why I support the TSSA industrial action."

The councillors supporting TSSA are:

Cllr Duncan Hall, Oxford Northfield Brook

Cllr Edward Mundy, Oxford Holywell

Cllr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini, Oxford Northfield Brook1

Cllr Imogen Thomas, Oxford Holywell

Cllr Nadine Bely-Summers, Oxford Littlemore

Cllr Paula Dunne, Oxford Cowley

 Cllr Jabu Nala-Hartley, Oxford Barton & Sandhills