On the go: Tube workers will strike once more on August 19 over pay and pensions, this time in response to an alleged refusal by Transport for London to share details of a government funding proposal for London transport.
The strike will be the latest in a series of walkouts by tube staff, with pensions playing a central part in the dispute. London Underground staff most recently went on strike on June 21.
TfL pensions are currently under scrutiny as part of an overall review of how the organisation is funded. Sir Brendan Barber’s independent review of TfL’s pension arrangements began after the transport authority and central government agreed a bailout in June 2021.
The report admitted that changes to the scheme would impact benefits and pay elsewhere, and affect TfL’s ability to recruit and retain staff.
On July 26, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers announced the next round of TfL strike action. “The latest call for action has been prompted by TfL’s refusal to share the details of a draft government proposal they received regarding funding of the transport system in the capital, in secret and without any discussion with their recognised trade unions,” it said.
“[London Underground] and TfL management have consistently refused to engage in discussions around safeguarding jobs, pensions and conditions on the spurious grounds that they are unable to give any assurances to our members until they have a financial settlement with the government.”
The RMT has set a deadline of August 2 to receive assurances that there will be no cuts to jobs, changes to working conditions, or “detrimental changes to our pensions”.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our members will once again take to picket lines in this important dispute over pensions, jobs and conditions.
“They have been messed around by TfL and Mayor Sadiq Khan. And to add insult to injury they have not seen the detail of this funding letter from government,” Lynch continued.
“Unless there can be assurances made about jobs, pensions and detrimental changes to working conditions, then our strike on August 19 will go ahead.”
TfL chief operating officer Andy Lord said: “We have not yet received official notification of this action from the RMT. No agreement has been reached with the government.
“We continue to work closely with our unions, while at the same time talking to the government to try to ensure that any funding agreement is fair and is the right one for London’s recovery and for our colleagues.
“There is significant work yet to be done. We urge the RMT to call off this action and work with us to support London’s recovery,” Lord added.
