RMT to take strike action over London Underground plans to abolish Night Tube Train Drivers’ grade

TUBE UNION RMT said today that it will be taking strike action across the Tube network over plans by London Underground to abolish the Night Tube Train Drivers’ grade.

Following a solid vote for action late last month and subsequent talks that failed to resolve this issue RMT has instructed members as follows;

All LUL Train Operators are instructed not to book on for any duty:
• Commencing from 12:00 (noon) on 3.8.21 until 11.59 on 4.8.21
• Commencing from 12:00 (noon) on 5.8.21 until 11.59 on 6.8.21
• Commencing from 12:00 (noon) on 24.8.21 until 11.59 on 25.8.21
• Commencing from 12:00 (noon) on 26.8.21 until 11.59 on 27.8.21

LU propose to axe the grade from the 16th May in what the union says is a cash led move aimed at shunting staff around the combine at will which will threaten the loss of 200 jobs and destroy the work life balance of 3000 Tube drivers.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said:

“London Underground’s proposals to rip up an agreement that protects 3000 Tube drivers work life balance has caused uproar in the depots amongst drivers.

“This breach of trust by an out of touch management abolishes the part time jobs of workers – mainly women – who want them.

“This is the thanks that Tube drivers have been given for keeping the service running through the Covid pandemic. This is a blatant attempt to now use that pandemic to start bulldozing through a savage programme of cuts.

“The union remains available for talks.”