Union issues apology over its role in colour bar that led to 60s Bristol bus boycott
A union has issued an apology for its involvement with the colour bar on Bristol buses, almost 50 years after the boycott that saw the racist ban end.
The Transport and General Workers Union, which amalgamated in 2007 to form Unite, at the time condemned the 1963 boycott of Bristol buses led by campaigner Paul Stephenson as “inflammatory”. The boycott started in April 1963 after West Indian Guy Bailey was refused a job at Bristol Omnibus Company because of the colour of his skin. Unions backed the company’s stance before the boycott forced it to change.
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Paul Stephenson
A senior union official made an apology in person to Mr Stephenson on a BBC documentary broadcast last night, expressing “sincere regret” for what its “completely unacceptable” position in 1963.
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6 Comments
by whippetprince
Wednesday, February 27 2013, 10:51AM
“Bedmo,
I am entitled to my opinions as you are yours.
Presumably you would be 'offended' if a 'Society of White Layers' existed, seeking compensation for the Zulu tribes of Africa for all the brave Welsh Guards they slaughtered at Rourkes Drift?
Equality is a strange term, in as much as anyone who hides behind it (like you) has a bigger chip on their shoulder than those they wish to 'liberate'.
I wonder why?”
by BedmoBanjo
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 5:20PM
“@Whippet - Mate any opportunity for you really. Er, yeah you're right, I'm sure all those race relation cases are purely for the cash and nothing to do with equality or respect.
We did apologise to the German people recently for Dresden I believe. Think Cameron went over. Hey Ho.
Screw unions they're always the same. Can't remember the last time I saw a train conductor under 50. Love that everyone equates fare rises with the "fat cats" and not the entrenched and unionised workers. Don't even start me on the Post Office. The vans are red for a reason.”
by whippetprince
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 10:29AM
“Crikey, can't we just move on a bit.
Soon we will be apologising to the German's for killing all those Nazi's during WW2.
Racism is wrong, but I really began to think that it was dying out in these modern times.
Until I realised that keeping racism alive pays... solicitor's fees and compensation is a big business.
Ask the Association of Black Lawyers if you don't believe me.”
by Blessing123
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 1:18AM
“p.s. I was a bus conductor for a while!”
by Blessing123
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 1:17AM
“Sorry to Stagnate. I meant to approve his comment, but in error hit the wrong button! Luckily I'm not in charge of anything! Let alone the command of our nuclear weapons!”
by Stagnate
Monday, February 25 2013, 11:03PM
“All very commendable but I wonder if the union is going to issue apologies to those applicants who refused to join the T&GWU up to the years when closed shops were banned.
At my interview to become a driver in 1979 I was asked if I was prepared to join the union. On asking why, I was told that union membership was a pre-requisite to being offered the job.
Countless others must have been put in the same position - join the union or no job.”