16.06.17
RMT opens ballot for members at Piccadilly Line workshops
The RMT has this week opened a ballot with its Piccadilly Line workshop staff on whether to take action over what it calls a “two-tier” workforce.
Members of the union at the Northfield and Cockfosters depots will vote on whether to go on strike or take action short of a strike after Tube Lines, a wholly owned subsidiary of TfL, recruited 35 new staff on fixed-term contracts.
Tube Lines argues the staff have been brought in to enable 24-hour lifting of rolling stock to replace damaged wheels due to problems with rail head contamination from leaf fall and wheel flats on the line.
But the union said the decision “rips up” current agreements and threatens job security by opening the door to “wholesale casualisation”.
RMT stated that its position is that all new posts should be recruited on a permenant basis, which is the principle it is now balloting its members on.
“RMT will not sit back and watch while Tube Lines rip up agreements and look to open the door to wholesale casualisation of the workforce,” said Mick Cash, the outspoken general secretary of the union.
“It was RMT members who raised the problems with the brakes and wheel sets on the Piccadilly Line in the first place and it is appalling that the company have seized on these serious issues to try and threaten long-term job security,” he added. “The ballot opens today and the union remains available for talks.”
TfL have been contacted for comment by RTM.
Top Image: TfL
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