Tube Strike to Go Ahead as Unions Reject Latest Offer

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Issues over work patterns and night-time tube remain unresolved

Unions have rejected a revised offer put forward by London Underground in their ongoing dispute over the introduction of the 24-hour tube service, meaning that the tube strike will go ahead from Wednesday evening until Friday morning.

There are four unions representing tube and maintenance workers across the network. Unite, representing workers including engineers, had already refused the new proposal, and have now been joined by Aslef, the Transport Salaried Staff Assoication (TSSA) and the RMT.

The offer did not include any changes to pay beyond the 2% rise and £2,000 previously offered to drivers working during the night on weekends. However, this was rejected, and London Underground submitted a new proposal on Friday (31 st July) which aimed to improve the ‘work-life balance’ for tube drivers.

The unions say they do not oppose the 24-hour tube on weekends, but are seeking guarantees about the number of shifts their members will be forced to work. London Underground maintain that drivers will have to work few additional shifts.

The strike is the second within a month, following action in July that brought the tube to a standstill. Tube services will wind down from 6:30 on Wednesday evening, and will only resume on Friday morning.

Transport for London have stated they will lay on additional services, including extra buses, more Santander Cycles at central London docking stations, river services and trams. However, these will be exceptionally busy and services will be disrupted.

National rail, the DLR and London Overground will remain unaffected, although TfL are warning they will be busier than normal. 

August 3, 2015