30.06.15
Acas talks to avert Tube strike start today
Unions and management are to meet at Acas today in a bid to avert a planned 24-hour strike by London Underground drivers.
Members of Aslef voted 97% in favour of industrial action on a turnout of 81%. The walkout is set to take place from 9.30pm on 8 July, which the union said will shut down the "entire tube network".
About 80% of London Underground drivers are members of Aslef.
The talks will be held as the RMT and TSSA unions are due to announce the result of their industrial action ballots over the same issue. They are expected to receive strong support for a strike and to co-ordinate their action with Aslef.
The unions claim that new rosters that London Underground want to institute to run the new Night Tube services would mean Tube drivers will have to work an unlimited number of weekend and night shifts for no extra pay.
When the strike was announced Finn Brennan, Aslef’s district organiser, said: "There is a window of opportunity for London Underground managers to avoid a summer of disruption by seriously engaging with us to find a solution.
"They need to withdraw the threat to impose new rosters and make a realistic offer on pay and conditions.
"We are always prepared to talk, but they have to start listening to this very clear message from their staff.
"Our members are entitled to a family life and to some sort of work/life balance.
"We aren't opposed to all-night services but we want them introduced in a fair and sensible way which rewards staff for their hard work and the contribution they make to the success of the London Underground."
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]