RMT backs TUSC for elections

The RMT rail union is supporting the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) in the 3 May elections, its general secretary has announced.

Bob Crow spoke at the launch of TUSC’s campaign in London. He said the union’s executive had voted to back the coalition’s London Assembly list—and to let branches fund council candidates across Britain.

This means that the union’s branches can use their political funds to support TUSC.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the firefighters’ FBU union, is also backing the campaign. The FBU’s London region has two candidates on the list, which includes union activists from across the city.

The list includes members of the Socialist Workers Party, the Socialist Party and independents.

Alex Gordon, president of the RMT, is the lead candidate on the London list. “There’ll be no running away from supporting strikes from TUSC candidates,” he said. “It’s quite clear what we stand for.”

Dr Jackie Turner, a GP in east London, is standing on the list. She told the meeting that the fight for the NHS “is far from over”.

“The coalition have no mandate for these reforms,” she said.

To get involved in the campaign go to www.tusc.org.uk