RMT DEMANDS MAYOR SCRAPS CONGESTION CHARGE FOR LONDON LIFEBOAT HEROES
The RMT union has slammed London Mayor Sadiq Khan for refusing to exempt RNLI staff at Tower Lifeboat Station from the congestion and ULEZ charges. They warn that these frontline lifesavers are losing hundreds of pounds every month due to pointless fees.
RNLI Staff Caught in Congestion Charge Crossfire
RMT has hit out after their calls to Mayor Khan and TfL boss Mike Brown to ditch the charges for Lifeboat staff were flatly rejected. With river traffic set to surge as lockdown eases, the union says the vital role of these workers is being ignored.
“It is nothing short of a scandal that our members at Tower Lifeboat Station—the busiest in the UK—are being hammered by increased congestion charges,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Cash. “They are supporting volunteer crews saving lives, yet face unfair penalties.”
Lockdown Easing Means More River Action – But No Relief for Lifeboat Staff
RNLI workers have been told not to use public transport but are now trapped by the expanded congestion charge hours starting 22nd June. Mick Cash blasted the move:
“River traffic will spike as lockdown lifts, and the Thames RNLI’s vital safety work must be recognised. Our members want fairness, and Sadiq Khan must sort this scandal now.”
With lives on the line at London’s busiest lifeboat station, the union says it’s time for the Mayor to back the heroes, not penalise them.
