Tube bosses back RMT fears over safety by admitting that cuts mean services are running on infrastructure dating back to 1920's

AFTER MONTHS of accusing tube union RMT of scaremongering over the safety impact of cuts on London Underground, tube bosses this morning put their hands up and admitted that the cuts mean that services are running on dangerous and rotten infrastructure dating back to the 1920's with worse to come in terms of the risks to millions of passengers as the Government lines up further attacks on the TFL budget and the tube upgrade programme.

RMT underground members begin balloting today for strike action across the entire network over jobs and safety cuts.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"After months of attacking the RMT for warning that cuts to financing and jobs were leading to massive backlogs in maintenance and upgrade works, and a severe shortage of staff in all areas, LU bosses have admitted this morning that not only were we right all along but that there is much worse to come.

"Our members begin balloting today for strike action across the tube network over jobs and safety because RMT will not sit back and wait for a tragedy before we act.

"There is now no question that the staffing and financial cuts are turning the underground into a death trap and the senior management right up to Boris Johnson know that. The time has come for the Mayor to slam the brakes on the cuts programme and prepare for a full on battle with the government over TFL funding."

> RMT National News

Saturday, 20th September
Bus workers at First South West in Somerset and Cornwall will be balloted for strike action after the company refused to improve a penny-pinching pay offer.
Thursday, 18th September
Rail union, RMT has called a 48-hour strike by members working for Carlisle Support Services on the Northern trains’ revenue and gateline contract.
Tuesday, 16th September
Rail union, RMT will hold a demonstration on Wednesday against the Home Office’s reckless changes to work visa rules which threaten the jobs and futures of hundreds of rail staff including on London Underground.
Tuesday, 16th September
Maritime union, RMT confirmed today that it is in dispute with cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink after the company announced proposals which would put 160 jobs at risk.
Monday, 15th September
SEAFARERS Union RMT has attacked a new report by the Chamber of Shipping which writes UK seafarers off as ‘uncompetitive’ whilst demanding easier access to cheap foreign labour on ferry and offshore energy routes.