RMT: 4,000 station Tube staff to walk out

The RMT has said that 4,000 Tube staff are walking out on the day London is set to get back to work after the Jubilee.

The union blames what it says is the “threat” of 600 job losses on the underground.

• RMT ballot for potentially “biggest” strike in UK rail history has begun
• TransPennine issues warning as RMT look set for seventh day of action
• RMT confirms weekend Tube strikes until summer

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Station staff play a crucial role in serving the travelling public and were heroes during the 7/7 terrorist attacks.

“Instead of seeking to cut jobs, TfL and Mayor Sadiq Khan need to put further pressure on the government to secure increased funding for the network so we can have a properly staffed modern 21st century tube.”

The action comes as it says that staff are also prepared to strike on June 3 at two stations because of a dispute with a manager.

Andy Lord, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are extremely disappointed that the RMT has announced unnecessary strike action on 6 June and share Londoners’ frustrations that this, and the linked action short of strike, has been designed to disrupt the Jubilee weekend. It is particularly surprising that the RMT has threatened to spoil this moment when the nation is coming together as nobody has or will lose their jobs as a result of the proposals we have set out and there have been no proposals on pension changes.

“If the RMT chooses to go ahead with this unnecessary action, we will do everything we can to minimise any disruption and ensure everyone can still make the most of the capital throughout the Jubilee weekend. 

“The devastating impact of the pandemic on TfL finances has made a programme of change urgently necessary but this change is being delivered in a way that ensures nobody loses their jobs so we’re calling on the RMT to work with us, rather than disrupting London’s recovery and our customers, who deserve better. We’ve been in regular talks with the RMT and are hoping to find an urgent resolution to this dispute to ensure they can call off this unnecessary action.”

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