16 March 2017
RMT Press Office:
RMT announces action after Night Tube drivers vote by over 96% for strike action over block on career progression.
TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that Night Tube drivers will strike on the 8/9th and 29/30th of April after they voted overwhelmingly for action over a block on career progression which has been imposed by London Underground.
Members voted this week by over 96% for strike action and by over 98% for action short of a strike.
RMT’s Executive has now confirmed the following:
All Night Tube train operators on Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines not to book on for duties between 20.29 on April 8th 2017 and 08.30 on April 9th 2017 and not to book on for duties from 20.29 on April 29th 2017 to 08.30 on April 30th 2017.
As a result of a blatantly discriminatory policy Night Tube Train Operators have been prevented from moving into vacant full-time positions for a period of at least 18 months. All other staff, including part-time Night Tube Station Staff are eligible to apply, but Night Tube Train Operators are not – a position described by the union as outrageous.
In addition, LUL has advised that Night Tube Train Operators do not attract the overtime rate of pay until they exceed 35 hours in a week. As Night Tube Train Operators are currently contracted to only 16 hours, they are prevented from being compensated for any late finish due to, for example, service disruption.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:
“It is outrageous that London Underground have decided to discriminate against their Night Tube drivers. This is a senseless and damaging policy that picks out one group of staff for negative treatment and of course the drivers are angry and that is why our members have voted overwhelmingly for action. Our Executive has now considered the current position and has concluded that we have no option but to move forwards with the announcement of these strikes.”
“RMT would call on LU to see sense, stop these stupid attacks on career progression and fair reward for overtime working and confirm that this discrimination against the Night Tube drivers has been lifted.”
Ends.
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