TSSA General Secretary Richard Rosser commented:

“It seems that Ken Livingstone is only solution to the problems of the tube is simply to replace British managers with Americans.

“We sincerely hope that Mr O’Toole doesn’t take the same attitude towards unions and employee relations that other US rail managers have shown in the past.

“A gung-ho, union-busting approach won’t make things any better for employees or for passengers. Let’s hope that isn’t Mr O’Toole’s intention.

“TSSA represents tube staff at all levels, so we’re sending Mr O’Toole an application form. We hope that in the spirit of fostering goodwill with his new employees, Mr O’Toole will be more than happy to join his union.”

ends

For further information, please contact:

Mike Katz, Head of Communications (020) 7529 8033 or 07956 925969(mobile)

Notes to Editors

1. TSSA is the second biggest tube union, with around 3,500 members who work in London Transport. TSSA represents all tube grades except train operators. Typically, TSSA members on LUL are station managers and assistants, ticket barrier staff, fare collectors and administrative staff.

2. TSSA represents 32,000 members in administrative, clerical, managerial, professional and technical jobs in the railways, buses, the London Underground, the travel trade, canals, ports and ferries, and road haulage.