Strikes across various sections of TfL’s workforce to begin on 1 November (Credit: Chris Sampson/Flickr)
Commuters to Kingston can expect severe travel disruption in November, if planned tube strikes go ahead, according to Transport for London.
London Underground train drivers are set to strike in November after a breakdown in negotiations over pay.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has also declared industrial action by its members during the same period, escalating the dispute and threatening significant disruption to the capital’s transport network.
TfL has warned that, should the strikes go ahead, severe disruption is likely, with little to no service expected on the Tube on the days Aslef drivers walk out. The RMT action will likely result in a limited and heavily disrupted service during the first week of November.
The planned industrial action will not only involve Tube drivers, but also instructors, management grade staff, and those in the engineering section.
Train operators and management grade staff will strike on 7 and 12 of November, while workers in the engineering section will walk out for 24 hours from 6.00pm on 1 November.
The strikes are in response to a pay offer that Aslef has described as “inadequate”. Finn Brennan, the union’s full-time organiser on London Underground, said:
“We don’t want to go on strike – we don’t want to make travelling in and around the capital more difficult for passengers and we don’t want to lose a day’s pay – but we have been forced into this position because [London Underground] management won’t sit down properly and negotiate with us.”
“Severe disruption” expected should strikes go ahead
According to Aslef, an overwhelming 98.8% of Tube train driver members voted in favour of industrial action, on a turnout of 68%. The union is seeking a new pay agreement, rejecting the current offer of a 3.8% pay rise and a variable lump sum.
Brennan argued the proposed offer would leave members earning less than drivers on other TfL services, such as the Elizabeth line and Overground.
In addition to the strikes, different groups of staff will refuse to work overtime at various points throughout November.
The RMT union has also declared that its members, including signalling and station staff, will strike between 1 and 8 of November. They too have rejected what they describe as a “wholly inadequate” pay offer.
Mick Lynch, RMT’s general secretary, said:
“No trade union can accept any pay proposal where management decide which of our members gets a pay rise and those who do not.”
The RMT said that around 10,000 of its members are involved in the dispute and remains open to negotiations, though it insists that any agreement must include a “fair and fully consolidated” pay rise for all.
Transport for London (TfL) has expressed disappointment over the industrial action,
Their spokesperson stated:
“Our offer is fair for our people and affordable for London.”
TfL claims their revised proposal, which includes an average pay increase of 4.6%, is designed to reward staff fairly while addressing the needs of lower-paid employees. Talks with the unions are ongoing, and further meetings are scheduled for next week.
