ROCK SOLID! United drivers strike for justice and safety on Victoria line

Drivers on the Victoria line made history on Wednesday, 22nd April, by completely closing the line for the first time ever. A rock solid strike by RMT drivers, supported by a majority of their ASLEF colleagues, succeeded in completely closing the line for 24 hours. The strike had been called by our branch in response to the sacking (disgracefully upheld on appeal) of driver, Carl Campbell, over an alleged wrong-side door opening, the refusal of LUL to fit the correct-side door enable (CSDE) safety equipment to Vic line trains, the continued victimisation of Branch Chair Glen Watson, and the management's wanton misuse and abuse of the Attendance at Work Policy.

Despite an appeal by RMT reps for talks to resolve these issues, management instead decided to dig in their heels in the hope that they could run some kind of service on the day. However, the magnificent response of all our reps and members at Seven Sisters depot, plus the refusal of ASLEF members to cross the superbly organised picket lines, meant that not a single train ran on the line throughout the entire day. RMT reps and activists from around the combine, including General Secretary Bob Crow, swelled the ranks on the picket lines and helped distribute leaflets to the travelling public to explain how their safety was being put at risk by a penny-pinching company. Despite being inconvenienced, most people seemed glad to receive an explanation of why the strike was taking place.

This magnificent strike shows the depth of feeling amongst drivers about how they are being treated by their management and should demonstrate to the company that they are not prepared to put up with it any longer. The union's offer of talks remains open: it's time for management to come to the table or face further shutdowns.

To download a copy of this strike special newsletter with pictures included, click on the attachment below: