TRAIN drivers’ union Aslef has become the 11th national trade union to join the People’s Press Printing Society, the co-operative that publishes the Morning Star.

General secretary Mick Whelan said he was “incredibly proud and humbled” that the union’s executive had decided to join the paper’s board as it is “the only paper that has always supported us as we’ve been attacked industrially and politically over the years.

“It has always given us a voice when the protected interests whose advertising supports the mainstream media haven’t allowed that.

“Being part of the Morning Star allows us to show our support for working brothers and sisters everywhere, in Britain and internationally, at a time when we should be concerned at developments in the world.”

Morning Star editor Ben Chacko and business manager Jimmy Macintyre presented Mr Whelan with the union’s shareholding certificate this week.

“It’s brilliant to have Aslef on board at a time when the left is fighting for a publicly owned and green transport system and the Morning Star is the only paper fighting for the radical Labour government that can deliver it,” Mr Chacko said.

“The union has a long history of support for the Morning Star and we’re proud that relationship is being taken to the next level so that we can work with Aslef on building a fighting left media that hits back at the lies and distortions of the capitalist press.”