The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) welcomed today’s commitment from Labour to “invest, invest, invest” in Britain’s infrastructure and expressed its support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy. The union also called on the government to prioritise investment in the UK’s rail network, including advancing HS2 and bringing rail freight under public ownership
TSSA, representing workers across the rail, transport, and travel sectors, applauded measures to tackle low wages and improve the NHS. The increase in the national minimum wage and revised fiscal policies to enable critical infrastructure investment mark a meaningful shift towards a more equitable, sustainable economy.
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust commented: “After fourteen years of austerity that left public services weakened and living standards in decline, today’s budget gives hope.
“The Chancellor’s commitment to invest in our national infrastructure is the engine needed to drive economic recovery. Investing in rail is not just about faster trains; it’s about creating a transport system that benefits everyone, reduces congestion, and supports climate goals.”
The union welcomed the confirmation that HS2 will terminate at Euston – a key step forward for the North-South connection – and applauded funding for important upgrades, increased services, and electrification. TSSA urged Labour to build HS2 in its entirety, extending to Scotland, to realise the full potential of this transformational project.
“HS2 is vital for bringing the entire nation closer together and fuelling regional growth,” Maryam Eslamdoust continued. “We call on Labour to complete HS2, ensuring the full economic and environmental benefits are felt nationwide.”
TSSA also applauded Labour’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, now at the report stage, as a major step towards public ownership of rail services. Maryam Eslamdoust encouraged further action: “Labour has demonstrated its commitment to public transport, and we urge them to bring rail freight into public ownership. By doing so, we eliminate profiteering and secure the future of sustainable goods transportation across the UK. Investing in rail infrastructure is essential to both economic growth and environmental responsibility.”
The union looks forward to continuing its work with Labour to build a transport system that delivers for workers, passengers, and communities.
NOTES
TSSA issued a pre-budget briefing to MPs across Parliament this week. You can find the briefing below.
