ASLEF has announced a July 8 strike on London Underground after members voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay and rostas.
ASLEF said: ‘The company’s decision to try to force through, without negotiation, new rosters would mean Tube drivers will have to work an unlimited number of weekend and night shifts for no extra pay. In a ballot conducted by Electoral Reform Services members of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, were asked two questions.
‘Are you prepared to take part in a strike? – Yes 1,771 (97.6%), No 44 (2.4%) ‘Are you prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike?– Yes 1,786 (98.7%), No 24 (1.3%) ‘Turnout was 81.3%.
‘The ballot was triggered when management ended direct talks with the unions and started the process to impose new rosters. Underground staff have been told that unless they agree to the rosters then no pay offer will be made this year. ASLEF’s executive committee has announced a 24hr strike from 21.30 on 8 July that will see the entire tube network shut down.’
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.’
Around 80% of all London Underground drivers are members of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union. The other trade unions on London Underground (the RMT, TSSA and Unite) are also currently balloting for industrial action with ballot results due to be declared on 30 June.
