A few months ago, the Department for Transport approved plans from the privately run train companies to close their ticket kiosks, which the companies say only one in 12 tickets are bought from.
This decision sparked major backlash from disability groups, since the closing of the kiosks would make buying a ticket more difficult for people with a wide range of conditions. In some cases this could mean that the disabled become unable to travel by train.
The unions that represent train staff also hit back against this decision, since it would mean job losses for all those who currently operate the kiosks.
After receiving 750,000 complaints, the government has backtracked, saying that removing kiosks will mean that train companies fail to meet the high standards necessary for serving passengers.
This once again demonstrates that mass public pressure is a good tool for protecting us against those who seek to diminish our quality of life, and access to services, for their own profits.
The best way to ensure that we protect ourselves is to organize with other people. If you’re employed, join a union. If you’re disabled, unemployed, racialised, elderly, or queer, join an organisation that’s set up to fight for your rights.
Together we are strong. Getting educated and organising with our fellow members of the working class is the best way to ensure that we build a world that can give us all a good quality of life.
We’ve won a good victory for the disabled and the train company staff. Eventually we’ll win the battle for socialism. Let’s see what else we can win along the way.
