Night Tube strike: London Underground workers vote for action over new all-night service
The start of London’s long-awaited night Tube service has already suffered nearly a year of delays
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Your support makes all the difference.London Underground staff have voted to go on strike over issues related to the new night Tube service, as rows over pay and other staffing problems remain “unresolved”.
New Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced the highly-anticipated night Tube service would begin on weekends 19 August on two lines, following nearly a year of delays.
London Underground's maintenance and engineering workers employed by Tube Lines are in dispute with the company over pay, pension and staffing issues related to the new night Tube.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) backed walkouts by 85 per cent, with a bigger majority in favour of other forms of industrial action.
RMT’s executive will consider the result of the ballot before deciding on further action.
General Secretary Mick Cash said that while the vote had demonstrated the “anger” of its members over the issues in hand, the union is ready to engage in talks.
“RMT members have now shown their anger at the way that Tube Lines have attempted to tie in attacks on pensions with the offer on pay and nigh Tube,” he said.
“There are also major unresolved issues over the Tube Lines staffing arrangements for the night Tube and over performance-related pay.
“The ballot result will be considered by RMT’s executive and, now that the members have shown their anger, it is absolutely essential that there is the earliest possible resumption of serious and meaningful talks on these issues and the union is ready to engage in those talks.”
Steve Griffiths, chief operating officer of London Underground, said: "We have made the same fair and sustainable four-year pay offer for Tube Lines maintenance staff as has been made for staff employed by London Underground.
"Pension arrangements for Tube Lines maintenance staff have been the subject of separate ongoing discussions, and we agree that it's important that these talks resume as soon as possible so the dispute can be resolved."
LU said the dispute on Tube Lines does not affect the Central or Victoria Lines, where night Tube services will begin.
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