A LABOUR shadow cabinet minister has defied leader Keir Starmer's orders to stay away from picket lines as RMT members carry out widespread strike action across the UK's rail network.
Shadow transport minister Sam Tarry joined striking workers on the picket line at Euston Station in London, despite Starmer's opposition to his MPs doing so.
Tarry told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “If we don’t make a stand today, people’s lives could be lost.
“Some of the lowest-paid workers are on strike today in the rail industry, safety critical workers, workers who make sure our railways get people to work and do so safely.
“It can’t be accepted anymore, that people just have to accept that inflation is out of control. The Government’s doing nothing on the cost-of-living crisis.”
Asked whether he expected to be sacked by Starmer, Tarry said: “I’ve no idea what Keir will decide to do but I know this – if Keir was in government right now, this dispute wouldn’t be happening.”
He added: “I have absolutely 100% confidence that any Labour Party MP would be in support of striking workers who have given up a day’s pay, a week’s pay or even longer.”
Starmer had said on Tuesday: "The Labour Party in opposition needs to be the Labour Party in power. A government doesn’t go on picket lines, a government tries to resolve disputes”.
Later on Wednesday morning, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps predicted that Starmer will sack Tarry over the picket line appearance.
Shapps told Sky News: “It’s clearly in direct defiance of Sir Keir Starmer who told his front bench that they shouldn’t be (on picket lines).
“No doubt he’ll want to remove him from his job.”
Rail services across the UK are disrupted on Wednesday as disputes in the bitter row over jobs, pay, pensions and conditions worsen. More strikes are due in the coming days, as well as a wave of industrial action planned next month on the railways and London Underground.
Passengers were urged to only travel by train if they must, and, if it is necessary, allow extra time and check when their last train will depart.
Trains will also be disrupted on Thursday morning with a later start to services as employees return to duties.
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has also announced a strike by its members at Avanti West Coast on Wednesday, while members of the drivers’ union Aslef at seven companies will strike on Saturday.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said union members are more determined than ever to secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions.
“Network Rail have not made any improvement on their previous pay offer and the train companies have not offered us anything new.
“In fact, Network Rail have upped the ante, threatening to impose compulsory redundancies and unsafe 50% cuts to maintenance work if we did not withdraw our planned strike action.
“The train operating companies have put driver-only operations on the table along with ransacking our members’ terms and conditions.
“RMT will continue to negotiate in good faith but we will not be bullied or cajoled by anyone.
“The Government need to stop their interference in this dispute so the rail employers can come to a negotiated settlement with us.”
