Central Line strike rock solid

TUBE UNION RMT said today that strike action on the Central Line East is "rock solid" as expected this morning with the union repeating the call for management to start taking the issues at the heart of the dispute seriously and start engaging in genuine and meaningful talks.

RMT has met the company on numerous occasions, including the talks on Monday, in an effort to reach an acceptable solution to this dispute but despite the best efforts of our negotiating team, LUL have maintained that they will be proceeding with the displacements. RMT therefore had no option but to put on this latest phase of strike action to reinforce the demand that management return to talks and halt the forced and unacceptable displacements until agreement is reached. That action is being solidly supported at all depots and pickets are out in force.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said:

“RMT negotiators have made strenuous efforts to resolve this dispute but the door has been slammed in our faces. The action is rock solid today with the impact severe and widespread and the blame for that lies firmly at the door of an intransigent LU management that refuses to see sense.

“Let us be in no doubt, if LU are allowed to get away with this move on the Central Line they will start shunting drivers around the combine at the drop of a hat regardless of the consequences. Our members will be sent out from pillar to post to plug gaps that are solely down to staffing shortages. With massive budget cuts in the pipeline at LU this is a straw in the wind as to how the company expects to operate in the future.

“Staff across London Underground are angry and the company would be wise to recognise that. The action today relects that anger at local level and RMT remains available for serious talks but is now down to the company to show that they are prepared to listen and engage with our negotiating team.”

> RMT National News

Monday, 29th September
TUBE union RMT received an improved offer from London Underground today following successful strike action earlier this month.
Friday, 26th September
Maritime union RMT, is balloting members at cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink after the company tabled “efficiency” plans that threaten 160 jobs and undermine safety on board.
Saturday, 20th September
Bus workers at First South West in Somerset and Cornwall will be balloted for strike action after the company refused to improve a penny-pinching pay offer.
Thursday, 18th September
Rail union, RMT has called a 48-hour strike by members working for Carlisle Support Services on the Northern trains’ revenue and gateline contract.
Tuesday, 16th September
Rail union, RMT will hold a demonstration on Wednesday against the Home Office’s reckless changes to work visa rules which threaten the jobs and futures of hundreds of rail staff including on London Underground.