06.07.15
Union leaders ‘pessimistic’ on averting Tube strike
Union leaders have stated that they are “increasingly pessimistic” that a deal can be reached to avert this week’s Tube strike, which received the backing of all four unions last week.
Transport for London and union bosses have met again today at Acas, the conciliation service, however the unions don’t believe that the management will alter their proposals.
Finn Brennan, the district secretary of Aslef, which represents the majority of London Underground’s 3,500 drivers, said: “They have not moved their position at all during the last three months and seem intent on forcing through change without negotiation.”
He added that he was “increasingly pessimistic” that an agreement could be reached, adding that the dispute was not about pay but achieving a “work/life balance” for operating the Night Tube.
If the strike action goes ahead, Transport for London has warned there will be no trains at all from late afternoon Wednesday or all day Thursday.
The 24-hour walkout on Wednesday evening would cause the most widespread disruption on the capital’s Tube network in more than a decade. The strike is set to begin at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening when members of RMT, Unite and TSSA are due to walkout, with Aslef drivers striking from 9.30pm.
RTM contacted Transport for London for an update, but at the time of publication had received no reply.
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