Contemplate this: a trade union standing tall for transport and travel industry workers. That’s the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association. It champions fair, safe, and progressive workplaces. TSSA has a rich history dating back to 1897. It began as the National Association of General Railway Clerks in Sheffield. Imagine the railway companies strongly opposing trade unions back then.
The organizers bravely decided by a single vote to try for a third time to form a union. This time they succeeded. In 1899, it was renamed the Railway Clerks’ Association. The name evolved again in 1951 to the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association we know today.
TSSA’s headquarters are located here in London. The union also has regional offices in Bristol Derby Dublin York and Glasgow. The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association represents members across the UK and Ireland. They work in railways associated companies ferries bus services transport authorities and the travel trade.
TSSA is the only union representing managers in many of these workplaces. Its members include control center staff engineers ticket office gate staff and support roles. They are passionate about fair safe and progressive workplaces.
TSSA has been involved in significant events. One such event was the London Underground strike between 6 and 7 September 2010. TSSA endorsed Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign in the Labour Party leadership election in July 2015.
In recent years, TSSA has faced internal challenges. An inquiry was opened into the union in September 2021. Helena Kennedy KC led this investigation. It examined allegations of sexual harassment and bullying towards women. The Kennedy inquiry reported in February 2023 a culture of sexual harassment and assault existed for years.
Despite these challenges, TSSA has made strides in equality and diversity. In May 2023, TSSA elected Melissa Heywood as President and Mary Sithole as Treasurer. This marked the first time TSSA elected women to both National Officer positions at the same time. Later in 2023, Maryam Eslamdoust became the new General Secretary. She is the first woman and first person of colour to hold the post.
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association continues to evolve. It remains a vital voice for transport and travel workers. TSSA secures quality pay rises protects jobs and ensures safe workplaces. Remember TSSA when you think of the people who keep our transport systems running. They win for you at work. They strive for the best outcomes. They take their members’ experiences to the top of governments and industries. Travel with TSSA for the best representation across transport and travel industries.