05.06.15
TSSA and RMT join Aslef in Night Tube strike ballot
Three unions are now balloting for strike action on London Underground over the introduction of Night Tube services.
RTM previously reported that Aslef was balloting members, but now the RMT and TSSA have joined the union in doing so.
The unions are unhappy with London Underground’s decision to try to force through new rosters which, unions say, would mean workers will have to work an unlimited number of weekend and night shifts for no extra pay.
They are also unhappy with the pay offer which “falls below inflation and does not reward staff working through the night”.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is simply outrageous that management, in a mad dash to bulldoze through the mayor’s night tube vanity project, have smashed apart long-term agreements and have resorted to trying to bully staff into accepting roster changes at a local level and the message from RMT is clear – we are not having it.
“These changes would lock our members into a culture of anti-social hours and appalling working conditions that would rip apart work/life balance whilst at the same time they are being hit with pay proposals that would undermine their standard of living.
“We are now formally in dispute with London Underground over night running on the tube and the derisory pay offer and are preparing a ballot for action over this scandalous attack on procedures and agreements.”
Manuel Cortes, union general secretary of the TSSA added: "Boris Johnson is rushing to get this new service introduced before he quits City Hall for the Commons full time next year.
"We want a properly negotiated agreement which rewards our members whilst also guaranteeing the safety of the travelling public at all times on the busiest tube network in the world."
The unions intend to co-ordinate their strike campaigns and will announce more once the results of their individual ballots are known.
Responding to the news of the ballots, Nick Brown COO for London Underground said: “Talks have not broken down and we are committed to reaching an agreement that rewards our hardworking staff that is affordable, sustainable and fair.
“We know our employees want to play their part in delivering a world class and modern Tube service for Londoners, and reaching an agreement on this will allow us to work together to deliver a Night Tube service that works for the benefit of the people of London and the economy.”
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