Tube drivers to strike in timetables row

Tube drivers to strike in timetables row

Drivers on parts of London Underground are to strike in a dispute over timetable changes. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on the Bakerloo line will stage two 24-hour walkouts later this month, claiming they are under "intolerable" levels of stress.

A ballot for action returned a 95% vote in favour.

Members of the union will strike for 24 hours from midday on Friday February 21 and again from midday on Sunday February 23, hitting the busy Monday morning rush-hour.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "Drivers voted overwhelmingly for action in this dispute, which is all about the management imposing timetable changes on the Bakerloo line without any serious recognition of the stress impact on the operators expected to implement them.

"We hoped we were making headway in talks with LU but our reps have now taken the view that the progress has been too little and too slow.

"The bottom line is that you cannot place intolerable stress and pressure on Tube drivers that impacts on their safety-critical role and that is what this dispute is all about. The union remains available for talks."

The union still has a mandate for strikes on South Western Railway in the long-running dispute over guards on trains.

A Transport for London spokesman said: "We have met with the RMT several times about their concerns on the Bakerloo line, and have another meeting scheduled next week.

"This announcement is therefore disappointing, especially as we have taken several steps to improve our drivers' experience on the current timetable while also bringing forward work to introduce a new timetable next month.

"We urge them to continue working with us to resolve these concerns so that we can ensure Bakerloo line drivers are comfortable at work while avoiding disruption to Londoners."

Published: by Radio NewsHub
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