The strike was the latest in a series of industrial actions to defend workers’ jobs. Employer London Underground (LU) released their plans for tube modernisation in November 2013 – without union consultation. The document contained plans to shut ticket offices across the network, raising concerns about passenger safety and accessibility, and proposals to cut almost 1,000 jobs.
Strike action in February convinced the employer to engage unions on planned ticket office closures and job losses, but negotiations with national conciliation service ACAS then broke down.
A 48-hour strike by RMT members at the end of April got employer and union back around the negotiating table. All unions will now be included in LU’s station-by-station review, as well as over LU’s proposed modernisation programme – putting unions in a stronger position to defend every worker’s job.
RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash said: “Due to the solidarity and determination of our LU members, and their delivery of rock-solid industrial action last week, we have been able to secure real movement and significant progress on the issues at the heart of this dispute in talks with the tube management over the bank holiday weekend…further talks around the fundamental issues of cuts to jobs, services and safety will now take place.”
Meanwhile, non-frontline staff at Transport for London will strike for 24 hours this Friday. Members of the RMT and fellow ITF unions the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association and Unite the union are involved in a dispute over pay and pensions with the employer.
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