Union calls August strike action on Central and Victoria lines
Thousands of Londoners face Tube chaos at the end of the month after a leading rail union announced strike action on two of the busiest Underground lines.
The RMT rail union has called strike action on services on the Central and Victoria lines from 8pm on Thursday 29 August and Friday 30 August.
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It has instructed tube and night tube operators, as well as instructors at several depots not to book on for shifts from 8pm on Thursday 29 August to 8pm the following day.
The union said issues on the Central line range from understaffing, imposed rosters, allegations of bullying and inadequate welfare facilities.
On the Victoria line, it claimed there had been examples of unlawful deduction of wages, enforced and imposed overtime, allegations of bullying and high noise levels on the line.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Our train operator members have been forced to take strike action on the Central and Victoria Lines after a breakdown in industrial relations in ongoing disputes which management refuse to settle and which they have dragged out for as long as they can.
“We have an overwhelming mandate in these disputes from our members, who are sick of being treated with contempt. On the Victoria Line 100 per cent of members who voted did so in favour of strike action.
“Our members deserve better and the union congratulates them on their magnificent show of strength in these disputes.
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“The union remains available for talks.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “We have met with the RMT to discuss their issues a number of times, and have outlined how we can address their concerns. We are surprised that they have announced strike action, rather than continuing to work with us to resolve these issues.
“We encourage the RMT to engage with us rather than subjecting Londoners to unnecessary disruption, and remain available for talks at any time.”