27.11.13
Underground staff balloted over ticket office closures
Rail union RMT is balloting its members over changes outlined in TfL’s new ‘Vision for the Future’ document, which included the loss of 750 jobs and closures of ticket offices across the network.
LU said it had committed to keeping all Tube stations staffed whenever services are operating and warned against “unnecessary strike action”.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “The documentation confirms without any doubt that the attack on staffing levels and passenger services would have a devastating impact on tube safety with assaults and thefts soaring through the roof. It is also clear that the most vulnerable members of our society would be most at risk when it comes to both violence and access to tube services. The plans rip-up promises on ticket offices that the Mayor gave to London before he was elected.
“As a result, RMT can confirm that the union will be serving notice today for a ballot for both strike action and action short of a strike with the ballot closing in January. All Underground members will be balloted as it is crystal clear that every single member of staff will feel the impact from the proposals that have been put forward.”
Phil Hufton, London Underground’s chief operating officer, said: “Our commitment is that all Tube stations will remain staffed at all times when services are operating. In future there’ll be more staff in ticket halls and on gatelines to help customers buy the right ticket and keep them safe and secure.
“We’re clear that there’ll be a job for everyone at LU who wants to work for us and be flexible, that we’ll make these changes with no compulsory redundancies, and that we’ll involve staff in our plans at every stage and support them through change.
“We are now consulting with our unions and staff on our future vision, and I would urge the unions to work with us to shape our plans, rather than threaten hard-working Londoners with completely unnecessary strike action.”
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Image c. TfL