Strikers solid in London tubes stoppage

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, speaks to the press during the Metronet strike in September 2007, photo Paul Mattsson

THE STRIKE on most of London's tube system, the parts previously maintained by the bankrupt Metronet company, has had a huge effect, causing chaos on the capital's transport system. The action, organised by rail union RMT, was continuing defiantly as we went to press. Gordon Brown has publicly condemned the strike. DICK GODFREY, RMT rep at the Northumberland Park depot spoke to Jane James of the socialist.

JJ: What do you need from the administrators to return to work?

DG: What they're offering is that there will be no staff cuts and transfers while they're in administration. But the RMT is looking for something beyond that.

We're looking for an agreement from the administrator and Metronet that even after administration we won't be forced to transfer to another private company.

And after administration there won't be a massive amount of job cuts. At the moment all they're offering us is up to the end of administration.

JJ: Is the strike solid?

Yes it is. There won't be anything running until 6pm on Thursday. Next week if the dispute isn't settled we'll be looking to do the same. And that will be solid as well. But if the company are prepared to sit round the table we're prepared to talk to them.

That's between the company and our general secretary. But at the moment what the company is offering is not good enough.

JJ: What is your attitude to privatisation?

We would like it taken back in house by London Underground or Transport for London. We certainly don't wish to be taken over by another private company.