- Union announces London Underground strike dates
- “Week of action” to shut down portions of the Tube network
- Dispute over jobs, cuts, and attacks on pensions and working conditions
The union has stated that it will “shut down” the Tube network as part of its ongoing struggle to save jobs and combat perceived pension cuts for its members.
On July 23, the London Underground will launch several days of industrial action over salaries and employment.
The RMT union announced that various Tube grades and sections would go on strike between Sunday, July 23, and Friday, July 28, insisting that its action would “shut down” the portions of the network affected each day.
However, it was emphasized that there would be no strike on July 24.
Jobs, cuts, and “attacks on pensions and working conditions” have been at the centre of the union-TfL dispute.
The system would lose 600 posts, “leading to an increase in unstaffed stations and a decline in safety standards.”
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, added, “This week of action will shut down the London Underground and demonstrate the significance of our members’ work.”
“TfL’s plans to eliminate 600 jobs and attack the pensions of our members are inexcusable.”
“We are aware that London Mayor Sadiq Khan has reduced the TfL budget,”
“However, he must align himself with our union and his London Underground employees in pushing back against the Tory government, exposing their destructive plans for a vital part of London’s transport infrastructure.”
The union’s campaign began last year and has resulted in multiple work stoppages.
As the rail network suffers from COVID-19-related revenue losses, it shows a resistance against budget cuts.
Since then, passenger numbers have not recovered.
Unions have rejected this central argument and have pledged to oppose proposals to close nearly every ticket office in England.
The RMT has called for strike days on July 20, 22, and 29 over pay and working conditions.
Glynn Barton, the Chief Operating Officer of TfL, stated, “We are disappointed that the RMT has announced strike action over a variety of issues that we have been endeavoring to discuss openly with them.
“We are urging the union to reconsider and engage with us to discuss the issues and seek resolution.”
