18.06.15
London Underground drivers vote to strike over Night Tube
Train drivers on London Underground have voted overwhelmingly to strike in a row over the introduction of the Night Tube.
Members of Aslef voted 97% in favour of industrial action on a turnout of 81%. The votes and turnout were all well above new thresholds being planned by the government for union strike ballots.
The union claims that new rosters that London Underground want to institute to run all-night services would mean Tube drivers will have to work an unlimited number of weekend and night shifts for no extra pay.
A 24-hour strike is now set to take place from 9.30pm on 8 July, which the union said will shut down the "entire tube network". More strike dates are to be announced.
About 80% of London Underground drivers are members of Aslef.
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."
The RMT and TSSA are also currently balloting for industrial action, with results due to be declared later this month.
Steve Griffiths, LU's COO, said: "We have been in discussions with the unions since February, and are still in the midst of negotiations.
"We recognise the hard and valuable work of our staff and want to give them a pay rise this year and next. We also want to minimise the impact of the Night Tube on our people, and compensate those it will affect most. But pay levels for our staff are already fair, and any increase must be sustainable.
"Londoners and businesses overwhelmingly back the Night Tube, and trying to block something that will transform our city, and create more jobs, is short sighted.
"We encourage Aslef to make themselves available to continue our talks at Acas."
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