RMT rejects Tube pay offer and moves to ballot for action

MAIN TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that it has rejected a pay offer from London Underground bosses and is beginning preparations for a ballot of all tube members for both strike action and action short of a strike as it launches a London-wide campaign for pay justice that improves living standards and working lives across the combine.

RMT’s negotiating team met with London Underground senior management yesterday who made their derisory pay offer of a one-year, RPI only deal, which works out as 2.5% based on the February 2019 figure. This offer was conditional on the union removing all other aspects of our pay claim, for example a shorter working week, better work/life balance and improved travel facilities.

In a report to the RMT executive today our regional reps have confirmed that the offer is an insult to our tube members and makes it crystal clear that London Underground have no respect for us or the work that we do. The report also makes it clear that RMT members deserve a decent pay rise, as well as improved terms for the work that they do, and that we are prepared to fight to secure those objectives.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“RMT’s negotiating team has wholly rejected the pay offer from London Underground management and that position has now been endorsed by our executive. As a result we will begin preparations for an industrial action ballot and the ball is firmly in LU's court to come back with an improved offer.

“The union has made it clear that we are looking for substantial improvements in pay and the working conditions for our members who work round the clock to keep London moving and that we are prepared to fight to secure those objectives.

“Our planning for a ballot is now underway and we will be launching a campaign for pay and workplace justice the length and breadth of London Underground. We remain available for further genuine and meaningful talks.”

> RMT National News

Friday, 21st November
RMT will take strike action on CrossCountry next month after the company failed to resolve long-running issues on pay, staffing and previously agreed commitments.
Wednesday, 19th November
RMT today exposed widespread failures in welfare provision for transport workers, with new survey evidence and frontline testimony showing that women in particular are being denied safe, clean and accessible toilet facilities, leaving employers in breach of basic dignity and clear legal duties.
Wednesday, 19th November
Tube union RMT, will demonstrate outside City Hall tomorrow calling on the Mayor and Transport for London to stop the re-tendering of the London Underground cleaning contract and bring the workforce back in-house.
Wednesday, 19th November
Rail union, RMT today laid bare the safety critical importance of a second person onboard train services after a dispute erupted on East West Rail.
Tuesday, 18th November
RMT steps up campaign to end outsourcing after Lord Ashcroft revealed as majority owner in contractor accused of bullying.