Over the weekend there was a major incident at Ealing Broadway station when roof tiles, containing asbestos, fell on the platform. London Underground staff , unaware they contained asbestos , assisted in the clearing up . RMT says that it is not the first time that this has happened.

Once union reps became aware of the incident they requested several things from LU management including the monitoring of staff involved , the station being shut to allow safe and professional removal of the asbestos and an urgent meeting with union officials to give full information and assurances. Central Line management have said no to all.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“The incident at Ealing Broadway at the weekend was serious and both staff and passengers alike deserve action and reassurances. The fact that management won’t even meet with RMT reps to discuss the issues raised is appalling.

“This incident cannot simply be brushed under the carpet. Ealing Broadway station should be closed to enable a proper safety assessment to be carried out and a programme of asbestos removal to be agreed. Our members who were involved in the clear-up, without being warned that there was an asbestos hazard, deserve professional support and monitoring.

“RMT will not tolerate this continued sniping away at the safety culture on London Underground and the claim that every time we raise a serious issue it is “scare-mongering”. This incident raises real issues and concerns and the union wants them addressed and not ignored.”