25.05.16
Night Tube engineers vote in favour of strike
The Night Tube project could be beset by further strikes after Tube Lines engineers voted in favour of industrial action.
In an RMT ballot of maintenance and engineering staff, 85% voted in favour of industrial action over Night Tube staffing levels, pensions and performance related pay, with even more voting in favour of action short of a strike.
The RMT executive is now considering the ballot result. The opening of the Night Tube was delayed by strikes last year, but London mayor Sadiq Khan announced this week that it will start running on 19 August.
Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT, said members had “shown their anger” over the issues and called for “serious and meaningful” talks between the union and Tube Lines.
Steve Griffiths, chief operating officer of London Underground, said: “We have made the same fair and sustainable four-year pay offer for Tube Lines maintenance staff as has been made for staff employed by London Underground. Pension arrangements for Tube Lines maintenance staff have been the subject of separate ongoing discussions, and we agree that it's important that these talks resume as soon as possible so the dispute can be resolved."
(Image c. Tim Ireland from PA Images)
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