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Transport workers’ voices heard at London bomb memorials
15 July 2005
Transport workers have taken a leading role in the events remembering those killed and injured in last week’s terrorist attacks on London.
George Psaradakis, the driver of the bombed Number 30 bus on which 14 people died, said: "A week ago I took my bus on a journey which turned into a nightmare. What happened to my passengers and to passers-by that day was truly dreadful. I did what I could to help them. I send my thoughts at this time to the families of the innocent victims, especially my colleague whose daughter lost her life on my bus. In today's silence we remember them.
"With quiet dignity and respect we show our deep contempt for those who planted the bombs and those who masterminded them. It is good to be back with my company, Stagecoach, who have done all they could to help me through this difficult period. And it is good to have my union, the Transport and General Workers, alongside me and my family as they have been all the way through our ordeal. As we stand together in silence let us send our message to the terrorists - you will not defeat us and you will not break us."
Later the same day Pat D'Cruz, London United bus driver and member of the General Executive Council of the ITF affiliated Transport and General Workers’ Union, addressed the public memorial ceremony in Trafalgar Square. He said:
"Londoners' response to last week's dreadful attack has been one of defiance against an enemy within our midst. We are determined to carry on. I'm proud my union has played its part. None more so than George Psaradakis. On this evening of reflection we pay tribute to him and his family. We remember all the innocent victims of the 7th July: the ordinary Londoners going about their business. Our thoughts are with their families. Especially our T&G colleague Shamsul Islam. His daughter Shahara died on the Number 30 bus. We share the anxiety of those who have not yet heard news of their loved ones.
"Tonight it is right for me as a bus driver and a trade unionist to bring a message of solidarity and support from our union's conference in Blackpool. Tonight is also about reflecting on how we deal with the aftermath of last Thursday. For me and all the bus drivers, engineers, garage staff and our companies it is about doing our jobs. It's about keeping London moving."
The Trafalgar Square event was also addressed by Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the British Trades Union Congress, and London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, who has been one of the many people to publicly praise London’s transport workers, along with the personnel of the police and emergency services, passengers and passers-by, for helping to minimise casualties of the bombs by disregarding personal danger and going to the aid of the wounded and all those affected by the atrocity.
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