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Tube strike to go ahead despite talks

Despite talks between London Underground bosses and delegates from four unions representing 20,000 workers across the transport network, a deal has failed to be reached.

Members of The RMT, the TSSA and Unite all plan to work out at 18:30pm today, with Aslef workers beginning strike action at 21:30.

The ongoing dispute relates to the introduction of a Night Tube service from September, well as a disagreement over the annual pay package offered to Transport for London (TfL) workers.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “Despite strenuous efforts by union negotiators to press London Underground to address the issues of fairness, safety, work-life balance and equality at the heart of this dispute, they have come up with nothing in the talks this afternoon.”

He also said there were “no further talks” planned at this stage.

London Underground’s chief operating executive, Steve Griffiths said: “Many of our staff will not be affected by the new services as we are operating Friday and Saturday night services on five lines. We are also hiring 137 more train operators specifically to work on the night Tube. “For those who are affected, it will mean a few extra nights per year within the existing working week. “No-one is being asked to work more hours than they do now. We are not asking staff to work unlimited nights and weekends.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .