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Unions back proposed strike in ‘Night Tube’ row

Two more unions have joined train drivers in voting in favour of industrial action over pay and extra night shifts, following the roll out of the ‘Night Tube’ which began in February.

RMT bosses backed the strike action, with general secretary, Mick Cash, accusing tube bosses of “smashing apart long-term agreement” in an attempt to force the newly-added night services.

Members of the TSSA also voted by a margin of three to one to walk out. Manuel Cortes, the TSSA general secretary, said: “We hope that this result will show Boris Johnson just how angry our members are at his plans to try to rush the start of the night tube without any detailed agreement on manning levels.”

This follows the announcement earlier this month that Aslef, the drivers’ union, would be partaking in the strike.

The strike action is set to take place for a period of 24 hours from 9.30pm on 8 July, unless the unions reach an agreement with the London Underground.

Steve Griffiths, London Underground’s chief operating officer, said: “We are offering a realistic pay increase this year and next, as well as an additional payment for night tube working. We are ready to negotiate, but any increase must be sustainable and fair.”

In a separate dispute, RMT members working on First Great Western’s rail network have voted to strike. The union is seeking assurances over jobs and safety with the impending introduction of new Hitachi Intercity trains.

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