There will be rolling strike action across the London Underground beginning on Friday 5 September for seven days, the RMT union has announced. The union claimed transport bosses refused to engage with them over pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns and a reduction in the working week. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on members’ health and wellbeing, all of which have not been adequately addressed for years by LU management. A Transport for London spokesperson said they urge the RMT to put their fair, affordable pay offer to their members and to continue to engage with them. On Thursday, RMT accused management of a dismissive approach, adding this had fuelled widespread anger and distrust among the workforce. Staff at different grades will be taking industrial action at different times as part of rolling strike action. TfL’s spokesperson said they regularly meet with trade unions to discuss concerns, and recently met with the RMT to discuss specific points. They are committed to ensuring colleagues are treated fairly, and as well as offering a 3.4% pay increase, they have made progress on previous commitments. They welcome further engagement with unions about fatigue and rostering, but a reduction in the contractual 35-hour working week is neither practical nor affordable. In a separate dispute over pay and conditions, workers on the Docklands Light Railway will also be striking during this period in the week beginning 7 September. Mr Dempsey added that RMT will continue to engage LU management to seek a revised offer in order to reach a negotiated settlement.
Source link
