The Problem Is Privatisation

Posted in Off The Rails's blog on ,

The news that the London Overground franchise will be transferred to Arriva will undoubtedly be met with indifference by many workers, who will rightly see it as a case of "meet the new boss, same as the old boss".

Despite being run under the TfL aegis, London Overground was already privatised, with the contract run by London Overground Rail Operations Ltd., a private firm.

There's been some fuss made, including by our unions, about the fact that Arriva is a subsidiary of the German state railways company. That private profits made in Britain will be invested in public railways in Germany may seem galling but it's hardly the fundamental issue. The problem here is privatisation, not foreign ownership!

It shouldn't matter to us, as rail workers and transport users in Britain, whether the private owners of our railways are based in London or Berlin. Our policy is for public ownership, not for homegrown privatisation.

Trade Unions

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.