Tube staff vote for action against cuts

"RMT members have sent a clear message in this ballot that they will not sit by while the tracks are turned into a death trap and our tube stations and platforms are left unstaffed." Transport union RMT general secretary Bob Crow declared after 43% of RMT members had voted by a 76% margin to take strike action to defend our jobs and to ensure we run a safe service for our passengers.

We are awaiting the result of our sister union TSSA's ballot result to take strike action. Union reps will be meeting on 24 August to decide our joint strategy for action to defend jobs and services.

Recent incidents have shown starkly the dangers that exist for passengers and staff if more cuts are made.

Both Euston and Oxford Circus stations had to be evacuated after smoke was spotted by station staff. To evacuate these busy stations safely takes the very experienced staff whose jobs are under threat.

Also on 13 August a runaway train went from Highgate to Warren Street, whilst passenger trains had to be hurriedly diverted out of its way.

This is whilst London Underground has extended the time between inspections of brakes and other safety critical equipment from fortnightly to monthly.

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