Tube drivers back new strikes over pay dispute
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The rail industry will be hit by a fresh wave of strikes after Tube drivers voted heavily in favour of industrial action yesterday in a dispute over pay.
London Underground services could be crippled next month because of the vote by members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union.
Aslef, the main train drivers' union, is expected to announce a similar vote tomorrow and both unions could name strike dates. Aslef will also reveal the result of a strike ballot among drivers at ScotRail tomorrow in a separate pay dispute.
The vote among RMT members on London Underground was 460 in favour of strikes, with 64 against. The turn-out was 50 per cent.
The unions, which represent about 3,000 Tube drivers, have accused LU of reneging on a deal to close the £1,600 gap in pay between drivers of passenger and engineering trains.
Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said:"This huge vote shows our members recognise LU are the wreckers here. With such an overwhelming vote, we hope LU will now see sense and come to an agreement to end the ridiculous situation where engineering drivers are paid £1,600 a year more than drivers of passenger trains."
LU said talks were continuing and expressed the hope that a deal could be achieved before industrial action was taken.
Aslef members on ScotRail are believed to have given strong support for a series of 24-hour strikes that would halt services across Scotland.
ScotRail, which is said to be facing losses of up to £25m this year, has made a number of offers in reply to union demands for a "substantial" pay rise.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments