Posted 5th May 2011 | 3 Comments
London faces two weeks of Underground strikes
LONDON Underground passengers are facing a week of disruption this month and next, after the RMT union stepped up its dispute with Transport for London over the dismissal of two train drivers.
Walkouts of all RMT drivers on the Underground – about half the total – are set to take place during periods ranging from 12 to 15 hours between 16 and 20 May, and also between 14 and 17 June (details below).
The union alleges that the two drivers were victimised because of union activities. Although both were dismissed, both were granted interim relief by Employment Tribunals and remain on full pay until main hearings can take place.
One them is Eamon Lynch, who was his union's health and safety representative for Bakerloo Line drivers.
The other is Arwyn Thomas, a Northern Line driver based at Morden depot, who the RMT describes as a 'long-standing activist'. The union claims that he was sacked 'on trumped-up disciplinary charges following unproven allegations made against him by strike breakers'.
The general secretary of the RMT, Bob Crow, said that it was the "abject failure of LU to recognise that their policy of victimisation of union activists has been well and truly rumbled both in the Employment Tribunal and in their own depots that has left us with no choice but to name these dates for strike action.
“The solution is simple - LU should accept that they have been found out, get these drivers back to work doing the job that they are being paid to do and bring an end to the constant harassment of union activists whose only crime is fighting cuts to jobs and safety."
Transport for London has consistenty denied that its economies on the Underground, which include the loss of 800 jobs and the shortening of ticket office hours at suburban stations, will reduce safety.
London Underground said that Mr Thomas was dismissed because of 'abusive behaviour' towards his colleagues and Mr Lynch because he 'over-rode his train's safety systems and drove the train with complete disregard for established procedures'.
The RMT is instructing its driver members not to book on for any duty that starts:
between 21.01 on Monday 16 May and 11.59 on Tuesday 17 May
between 12.00 on Wednesday 18 May and 11.59 on Thursday 19 May
between 12.00 on Friday 20 May and 21.00 on Friday 20 May
also
between 21.01 on Monday 13 June and 11.59 on Tuesday 14 June
between 12.00 on Wednesday 15 June and 11.59 on Thursday 16 June
between 12.00 on Friday 17 June and 21.00 on Friday 17 June
Reader Comments:
Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.
Name with-held, London, Britain
I suffered over a decade ago for daring to speak against a transport process which predictably failed later. I had an exemplary employment record until then. Suddenly I was guilty until proven innocent of two serious internal offences. I wasn't an 'activist' then - its amazing what an injustice does to your outlook - just someone who pointed out obvious truths and only in-house. I was a threat to someone else's wealth, the greatest crime of all... The tribunal process is reactive, stressful, after-the-event and cannot make a former employer take you back. A little more compassion please.
Sam Green, Bournemouth, UK
Its noticeable how train companies seem to single out persons who are engaged union activities for disciplinary action.Or people who are prepared to speak out on safety and other health and safety issues.The train companies have been known for it since the dawn of privatisation.And seems the shortly to be privatised LUL is going down the same road.One company who immediately seemed to seek out union activists for disciplinary action was South West Trains after Stagecoach took over.The London based driver Sarah Friday being a classic example.Even after winning her tribunal she was not reinstated!
Geoff, Marlow
This seems quite a disproportionate reaction. How many million workers will be inconvenienced and will loose earnings so that the union can protect 2 workers.
Do the union not recognise employment tribunals?