Tube drivers to strike again on Central Line East over cuts-led forced displacement of staff
Following last month’s rock solid strike action against the forced displacement of Central Line Train Operators, and having consulted with local reps , RMT’s National Executive Committee has taken the decision to call on all affected members at Hainault, Leytonstone and Loughton Traincrew Depots NOT TO BOOK ON for any shifts that commence between:-
21:00 hours on Tuesday 21st February 2017 and 20:59 hours on Wednesday 22nd February 2017
RMT met with the Company on 3rd and 13th January in an effort to reach an acceptable solution to this dispute but despite the best efforts of our negotiating team, LUL has now written to RMT stating that it will be proceeding with the displacements. RMT therefore has no option but to put on further strike action to reinforce the demand that management return to talks and halt the forced and unacceptable displacements until agreement is reached.
Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said:
“RMT negotiators have made strenuous efforts through the ACAS machinery to resolve this dispute but the door has been slammed in our faces. To up the ante, LUL have now written to us confirming that they will be bulldozing through the displacements regardless.
“Let us be in no doubt, if LU are allowed to get away with this move on the Central Line they will start shunting drivers around the combine at the drop of a hat regardless of the consequences. Our members will be sent out from pillar to post to plug gaps that are solely down to staffing shortages. With massive budget cuts in the pipeline at LU this is a straw in the wind as to how the company expects to operate in the future.
“Staff across London Underground are angry and the company would be wise to recognise that. This latest phase of action is on and RMT remains available for serious talks.”