10.02.16
Track patrol staff join maintenance workers in Tube strike
London Underground track patrol staff are joining maintenance workers in Friday’s strike over plans to increase the use of private contractors.
RMT said that nearly 500 staff are joining the 24-hour strike in protest at plans to outsource track patrolling to Cleshar Contract Services, while 1,500 maintenance workers are striking over safety concerns.
The strike will start at 6.30am on 12 February and run for 24 hours.
RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “This dispute is over an outrageous attempt to casualise and undermine the jobs of our London Underground track patrol members through an extension of the use of private contractors. The plan must be halted.
“RMT will continue to fight all attempts to undermine and casualise jobs across London Underground as the company looks to cut corners to meet government austerity targets.”
Steve Griffiths, chief operating officer at London Underground, said: “When we introduce the Night Tube we will need some track patrol staff working on Sunday nights rather than Fridays.
“We’ve given our existing staff the choice whether or not to cover these shifts, which protects their work/life balance. No jobs are at risk and contract staff will only be used temporarily, to cover shifts that our employees choose not to work.
“This freedom to choose for our staff is part of our pay and Night Tube offer, which the RMT has recommended its members accept. We’ll be doing everything we can to ensure this doesn’t impact services for customers.”
Proposed strikes by RMT, Unite, Aslef and TSSA over pay and plans to introduce all-night services were cancelled after the unions agreed to a revised set of London Underground proposals.
However, the maintenance workers are planning up to seven 12 and 24-hour strikes between now and 12 June.
Image c. Tim Ireland