Blue Plaque for Asquith Xavier

English Heritage has installed a blue plaque at the former Notting Hill home of Asquith Xavier (1920–1980), the railway worker whose determination to challenge racial discrimination helped bring an end to an unofficial ‘colour bar’ at London’s Euston Station.

The plaque marks where Xavier lived in 1966 when he stood up against discriminatory practices preventing him from transferring to a role as a train guard at Euston.

He was supported by his union representative, Jim Prendergast of the National Union of Railwayman (NUR) – predecessor to RMT – and with the case receiving national attention, his campaign exposed the existence of the colour bar.

> RMT National News

Tuesday, 9th June
Rail workers and industry skills leaders have called for a workforce strategy under Great British Railways, warning that fragmentation, short-term funding cycles and a narrow focus on cutting labour costs are holding back productivity across the railway.
Friday, 5th June
General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “The launch of this consultation is a necessary and welcome step towards ending the race to the bottom that has blighted much of the ferry sector for far too long.
Sunday, 31st May
Rail union RMT, demands all Govia Thameslink Railway staff be brought into direct employment after the train company became the latest to be brought under public control.
Friday, 22nd May
Transport union, RMT has expressed its condolences and solidarity with murdered bus driver Sergei Krajev, his family and work colleagues.
Thursday, 14th May
Rail union, RMT will ballot members at Heavy Haul Rail Ltd for industrial action after the company refused to rule out compulsory redundancies and pressed ahead with sweeping restructuring plans.