• Get the latest stations news on your Ipad here
Big votes for action in two separate disputes on London Underground

Tube union RMT confirmed today that balloting has concluded in two separate disputes on London Underground with massive votes for action being recorded in both. Both disputes, tube station staff and Piccadilly Line drivers, have safety of passengers and staff at their core.

The disputes are:

  • Tube station staffing and safety.  Over 3000 RMT station staff members have been balloted for action over the impact on safety from the axing of nearly 900 front-line workers alongside the closure of tube ticket offices. RMT says that the cuts have left safety on a knife edge with the incidents at Canning Town  and North Greenwich throwing the spotlight on dangers which are being worsened by the cuts process.

    In this dispute 85%  voted for strike action and  94%  for action short of a strike.
     

  • Piccadilly Line. Hundreds of drivers balloted in a dispute over breaches of policies, procedures and safety which amount to a wholesale breakdown in industrial relations.

    In this dispute 84%  voted for strike action and 87% for action short of a strike.

Both results will now be considered in detail RMT’s executive.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said:

“RMT members on the London Underground stations see day in and day out the toxic impact of the job cuts programme and they are reporting back that it is horrific. With the constant overcrowding on stations and platforms it is only a matter of time before there is a major tragedy if we don’t act decisively. Our dispute is about taking action to haul back the cuts machine and put safety back at the top of the agenda.
“In the separate dispute involving drivers on the Piccadilly Line, safety is again a major factor and is tied in with the ripping up of policies and procedures and ignoring warnings from staff. Our members have been left exposed and vulnerable and we have no choice but to blow the whistle before lasting damage is done.

“RMT members have now voted overwhelmingly for action in both these disputes and the results will now be considered by the unions executive. The union remains available for talks.”

> RMT National News

Tuesday, 21st July
RMT members working at East Midlands Railway (EMR) plan to take strike action on Saturday, August 1, and the following two Saturdays over growing safety concerns that the company has failed to address.
Friday, 17th July
RMT has suspended three days of strike action on Merseyrail planned for July 18 to 20 after the company made an improved offer.
Wednesday, 15th July
RMT members working in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have voted to accept a negotiated pay offer that delivers significant improvements to pay and conditions.
Tuesday, 14th July
Offshore union, RMT has joined businesses, trade unions, and industry organisations in signing an open letter calling on the government to support continued domestic oil and gas production alongside the expansion of renewable energy.
Friday, 10th July
RMT members employed by CAF Rail on the Transport for Wales contract will take strike action on Sunday and Monday evening after the company refused to improve its pay offer and retaliated against workers for taking lawful industrial action.