Reuters
Aslef members expected to strike on different days in November
London Underground train drivers are expected to strike next month over pay, union Aslef has announced.
In addition to metro drivers, instructors, management staff and those in the engineering section must act. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has also announced industrial action by its members next month.
Aslef said train operators and management staff would strike on November 7 and 12, as well as those in the engineering section for 24 hours from 18:00 GMT on November 1.
Transport for London (TfL) said the action by Aslef and the RMT was “disappointing” but that it remained in contact with the unions.
“Lower salary than other drivers”
Finn Brennan, full-time organizer for Aslef on the London Underground, said: “We don't want to strike – we don't want to make traveling in and around the capital more difficult for passengers and we don't want to lose a day's pay – but we've been forced to take this position because the (London Underground) management won't sit down properly and negotiate with us. »
The union said its metro driver members were “overwhelmingly” supportive of the industrial action, with 98.8% voting in favor out of a 68% turnout.
Aslef is seeking a pay deal with London Underground, which has proposed a 3.8% pay rise and a variable lump sum.
Mr Brennan said the offer would leave members on lower pay than drivers on other TfL services, such as the Elizabeth Line and Overground.
Different groups of staff will also not work overtime at different times during November.
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The RMT also announced its members, including signaling and station staff, would walk out on separate days between November 1 and 8 after rejecting a “totally inadequate” pay offer.
The union said some progress had been made in negotiations, but maintained the current proposal excluded a large number of employees from collective bargaining.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “London Underground’s pay offer falls short of what our members deserve. It threatens to eliminate collective bargaining for a growing part of the staff, pushing them into salary ranges decided solely by management. rights and the fundamental principles of fair negotiation.
“No union can accept a salary proposal in which management decides which of our members will receive a salary increase and which will not.”
The strikes will begin on November 1 among maintenance workers and will continue with various union members, including signaling and station staff, from November 6 to 8.
The RMT said around 10,000 of its members were involved in the dispute, adding that it remained prepared to enter into negotiations – but that a “fair and fully consolidated” pay offer must be offered.
“Fair and affordable” offer
A TfL spokesperson said: “We have had several constructive discussions with our unions and, having considered their feedback, we have made a revised offer with an average increase of 4.6%, which rewards our staff for their work relentless and benefits the least well paid. the staff the most. »
They said the talks were conducted in “good faith” and that further meetings would take place next week.
“Our offer is fair for our citizens and affordable for London, and we urge our unions to continue working with us to support London and the wider economy,” the spokesperson added.
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Wage negotiations tend to follow this pattern, writes Tom Edwards, BBC transport correspondent in London.
Commuters hope the dispute will be resolved in upcoming negotiations.
Otherwise, on days when the Alef train drivers go out, there will be little or no service on the metro.
On RMT strike days, service could be provided, but it would be limited and severely disrupted.
