20 February 2017
RMT Press Office:
RMT to ballot Night Tube drivers for strike action over block on career progression
TUBE UNION RMT said today that it is to ballot Night Tube drivers for both strike action and action short of a strike over a block on career progression which has been imposed by London Underground.
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.
Both these issues have been considered by RMT’s National Executive Committee, which has taken the decision to ballot all RMT Night Tube Train Operator members for strike action and action short of a strike over these issues. The ballot closes on Tuesday 14th March 2017.
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 we are balloting for action.
“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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