16 May 2024
RMT Press Office:
Tube union, RMT is calling for an immediate convening of the London Underground Limited (LUL) Safety Forum following a passenger evacuation on Clapham Common tube last year.
Both the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and Formal Investigation report identify a critical need for enhanced training for station and operational staff.
However, instead of addressing this need, LUL is increasingly relying on office staff to cover operational jobs after only two days of training.
These office staff, known as "ambassadors," are being used to meet staffing requirements at key central London stations.
Alarming statistics reveal that over 5,000 licensed station staff shifts were covered by these ambassadors between 1 October 2022 and 29 October 2023.
RMT insists that this practice is unacceptable and poses significant risks to passenger safety and that immediate steps must now be taken to address these concerns, as emphasised in the RAIB report.
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said: "We are demanding the reversal of the "Fit for the Future" and stations modernisation programmes, which have resulted in significant cuts to station jobs over the past decade.
"Rather than continuing to cut staff, we need at least 500 new jobs to ensure adequate staffing and enhanced safety across the tube network.
"The Safety Forum should establish a robust process for monitoring the implementation of both the RAIB and FIR recommendations, ensuring ongoing compliance and safety improvements.
"RMT looks forward to a prompt and comprehensive response from the Mayor to these urgent safety concerns."
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Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0
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