The RMT union claimed that Tube staff had voted overwhelmingly for strike action, and also cited disputes over staffing cuts for service control on the Jubilee line and pay as reasons for unrest.
Although Transport for London pointed out that the changes were not due until 2017, RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “This group of workers are absolutely key to delivering the service on the Piccadilly Line and the way they have been treated by the management at a time when the system is under intense pressure is nothing short of shocking.
“These are the same key staff who keep services running when demand is at a peak and they are the same staff who manage the problems when the lines are hit by breakdowns and failures.
“They deserve respect for the job that they do and not the imposition of inferior working conditions and the threat to jobs.”
However, London Underground’s operations director, Nigel Holness, said: “Less than 30 per cent of RMT members balloted were in favour of industrial action.
“We have already addressed nearly all of the issues raised by the RMT and I would urge the RMT leadership to continue working with us to help staff prepare for these changes.”
Image: Getty
