The Aslef union has announced that London Underground train drivers will strike next month following a dispute over pay. As well as Tube drivers, those in management grade staff, the engineering section and instructors will also take part. Transport for London has said the strikes by Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union are “disappointing”, but remain engaged with the unions.
Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on the London Underground, said: “we have been forced into this position because [London Underground] management won’t sit down properly and negotiate with us.” Aslef is seeking a pay agreement with London Underground, which has offered a 3.8% pay rise and a variable lump sum. The union claims that the offer will leave members on a lower salary than drivers on other Transport for London services.
The RMT has also announced that its members, including signalling and station staff, will walk out on different days between 1 and 8 November in a dispute surrounding pay. It said some progress was made in negotiations, but maintained that the current proposal left a large number of staff excluded from collective bargaining. About 10,000 members are involved in the dispute, with the RMT adding that it remained ready to engage in talks.
A TfL spokesperson said that its revised offer had an average uplift of 4.6%, which rewards staff and benefits the lowest-paid staff the most. They said talks have been conducted in “good faith” and further meetings would take place next week. The spokesperson said the offer was “fair for our people and affordable for London, and we urge our unions to continue working with us to support London and the wider economy.”
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