4 April 2019
RMT Press Office:
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.”
Ends.