07.03.16
Night Tube a step closer after Aslef vote in favour of revised contract
The Night Tube scheme is a step closer to going ahead after Aslef members voted in favour of a revised pay offer.
Members of the train drivers’ union, which represents four-fifths of London Underground drivers, voted 88.6% in favour of the deal, ending a two-year dispute over pay and rostas that led to strikes last year, although proposed strikes in January were called off as the negotiations progressed.
RMT also voted in favour of the proposals last week.
Finn Brennan, Aslef’s London Underground district organiser, paid tribute to members who took part in the strike, saying: “Their strength and solidarity have achieved an above-inflation pay rise and real improvements in conditions that will give drivers, and other grades, much more flexibility and control over their work/life balance in the future.
“We are now in discussions about the introduction of an all-night service on Friday and Saturday nights and expect this to be rolled out this summer.”
However, London Underground strikes are still planned to go ahead between now and June over plans to outsource track patrolling.
Steve Griffiths, London Underground’s chief operating officer, said: “I’m pleased that Aslef members have voted to accept our offer. This is a fair and affordable pay deal, which includes complete protection of employee work-life balance.
“We continue to focus on the recruitment and training of part-time drivers to deliver the night tube for London as quickly as possible.”
(Image c. Tim Ireland from PA Images)