Arnos Grove, north London
On 2 June, Socialist Party members joined an RMT picket line in support of striking tube drivers at Arnos Grove station. The strike is as a result of unagreed changes in working conditions.
Transport for London (TfL) had plans to shift drivers’ hours away from the current working model of five working days of ten-hour shifts per week to four working days of 12-hour shifts.
When balloted, RMT workers overwhelmingly rejected the proposal with a nine-to-one majority.
Members on the picket line explained that, at the time of balloting, this offer was “portrayed as a take it or leave it offer, and members said leave it”. However, management is determined to impose it.
While TfL maintains that this change is entirely voluntary, when pressed by the RMT on what protections would be given to workers who refused to accept this change, the management have failed to give assurances.
Workers on the picket line made it clear that the actions of TfL management in essentially imposing unagreed changes to working conditions is “not acceptable” and that their failure to offer assurances that those who didn’t accept the changes would be protected leaves no option but to take strike action.
RMT members on the picket line explained “action is well supported by members of the union as well as members of sister union ASLEF who unfortunately at senior level have decided to accept and pursue this arrangement”.
There was a clear message of solidarity from the workers on the picket line, with RMT stating that “we remain united and solid until we get a reasonable outcome which our members can support”.
Hannah Ponting
Morden, south London
Most drivers want a four-day week but not this one as the shifts are too long.
Workers called off the last strikes for talks but got nothing hence the further action.
The ballot mandate runs out in August so workers have to reballot then and warn that this could be a long-running dispute. But they are ready for that.
April Ashley
