On the go: Ballot papers have been sent out to Transport for London and London Underground staff in the Unite union over strike action, in response to a government review of the TfL pension scheme that threatens to cut benefits.
Sir Brendan Barber’s independent review of TfL’s pension arrangements commenced after the transport authority and central government agreed a bailout in June 2021.
The agreement was for six months, and was conditional on a review of the transport authority’s pension arrangements.
TfL’s finances were ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, which hammered passenger numbers and prompted a 90 per cent drop in TfL’s turnover at the peak of the crisis.
Barber’s review has admitted that almost all of the reforms considered for TfL’s pensions would see reductions in the future service benefits available to members, and increased contributions compared with the current arrangement.
In March, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen’s London Underground unions threatened strike action over potential pension cuts.
In the same month, members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers carried out two days of strikes over the efforts to find cost savings in the scheme.
On April 21, Unite sent out ballot papers to its members, with the ballot set to close on May 26.
The union said that strikes could begin as early as mid-June, although it added that any action is likely to be co-ordinated with sister unions.
Unite regional officer Simon McCartney said: “Our members are dedicated to keeping London moving. Now they are being told that they will be poorer in old age. This is an appalling way to treat a loyal and committed workforce.
“Workers are balloting for industrial action as a last resort. Despite repeated calls to management there have been no guarantees on pensions or job cuts.
“Strike action would inevitably cause severe disruption to public transport throughout London, but this dispute is entirely of TfL and ultimately the government’s own making.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “A review of TfL pensions was a condition placed on TfL by government as required as a result of its funding agreement.
“The report rightly highlights the complexity of the issues related to pension reform and TfL will now take time to consider next steps.
“There are currently no proposals for changes to TfL’s pension arrangements. Any reform proposed in the future would be subject to consultation with all stakeholders, including staff and trade unions.”
