TUBE UNION RMT has announced  strike action by Train Operators working on the Central and Victoria lines arising from a breakdown in industrial relations in two separate ongoing disputes.

On the Central Line the issues at the heart of the dispute are: insufficient driver numbers/chronic understaffing; imposed rosters; undue pressure and bullying of Drivers from Service Control management; obstruction of our representatives’ trade union duties; misuse of the attendance at work and disciplinary policies; inadequate welfare facilities and breaches of local agreements.

On the Victoria line the dispute arises over matters related to the attendance at work procedure; unlawful deduction of wages; attempts to derecognise the SSTO grade at the lowest level in the machinery; breaches of the framework agreement including enforced and imposed overtime; unacceptable noise levels on the line and undue pressure and bullying of Drivers from Service Control Management.

RMT Members working on the Central and Victoria Lines as Train Operators, Night Tube Train Operators and Instructor Operators at Hainault, Leytonstone, Loughton, West Ruislip, White City, Brixton and Seven Sisters Traincrew Depots to take strike action by not booking on for any shifts that commence between:-

•         20:00 hours on Thursday 29th August 2019 to 20:00 hours on Friday 30th August 2019.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“Our Train Operator members have been forced to take strike action on the Central and Victoria Lines after a breakdown in industrial relations in ongoing disputes which management refuse to settle and which they have dragged out for as long as they can.

“We have an overwhelming mandate in these disputes from our members, who are sick of being treated with contempt. On the Victoria Line 100% of members who voted did so in favour of strike action.

“Our members deserve better and the union congratulates them on their magnificent show of strength in these disputes.

“The union remains available for talks.”