Tube strike fears after RMT union sets deadline to London transport chiefs over four-day week rowExclusive: Union wants ‘specific assurances’ on new working arrangements for Tube drivers which London Underground is unlikely to agree
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Nicholas Cecil, Chief Reporter @nicholascecil2 minutes ago
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RMT union chiefs have stepped up their battle against London transport bosses in a dispute over a four-day week for Tube drivers.
They set out a series of demands and issued a deadline for a response by Transport for London (TfL).
They are also seeking a greater say at the negotiating table on the implementation of the four-day week for Underground train drivers, who earn around £74,000 a year.
Stacked Tube trains at Upminster rail depot during the RMT walkout in AprilGetty
The RMT union caused major disruption on the Tube network with industrial action in April and June.
Walkouts in May were called off at the last minute.
Talks took place over the summer to try to resolve the dispute but failed to make significant progress.
In a new memo to RMT members, the union’s general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “RMT previously agreed to LUL’s (London Underground) request for a period of 7-10 weeks to finalise its proposed new framework agreement for working conditions that would apply to compressed working (four-day week).
“Regrettably, the extended period has not resulted in any resolution of our concerns in this dispute.”
RMT general secretary Eddie DempseyPA Archive
Mr Dempsey added: “We still have no indication from LUL, yet alone assurances, regarding the impact of the compressed working week on those who opt out.
“Discussions on a framework for compressed working have not considered any improvements in the terms at all.”
He also stressed that London Underground was refusing to give the union a greater say at the negotiating table.
TfL says the new four-day week would be voluntary for drivers.
But the RMT has branded the changes as a “fake” four-day week, arguing it was compressing five days of work into four, raising concerns over the impact on drivers who do not want to accept the new arrangements, as well as on driver fatigue and late notice of shifts.
It also objected to the roll-out of iPads to train drivers.
However, its stance has been severely undermined by the Aslef train drivers’ union fully backing the reforms, hailing the four-day week is the “biggest improvement in working conditions for Underground train drivers in decades”.
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Aslef stressed that Tube drivers would get “working conditions that are as good as, or better than, those on any mainline train company”, including an extra 35 days away from work a year, average weekly rostered hours reducing to 34 from a current average of 36, and a third rest day every week so more time at home and less time travelling to and from work.
Sign in Stratford station during the Tube strike on June 4Andy Beill
But given the deadlock in the talks, the RMT set out a series of “specific assurances” that it was seeking including:
* That no changes to any terms or conditions will be imposed on any driver unless they opt in to the four-day week
* There will be “no detriment” to any driver who does not opt in
* Drivers can continue to work on their current rostered terms at their current depot
* “Genuine negotiations” take place to seek to improve the terms of the four-day week
* No reduction in trains headcount
* RMT representative “immediately” getting a greater say at the negotiating table
* Recruitment will continue at a level to guarantee the long-term viability of all current roster arrangements
* All drivers may opt in or out of the four-day week “at any time, subject to reasonable notice”
Tube strikes earlier this year caused disuption on many linesGetty
Mr Dempsey added: “I have given a deadline of Thursday 3rd September for LUL to respond to the above.”
London Underground has replied to the RMT’s list of demands.
A TfL spokesperson said: “We have continued to work with the RMT, alongside Aslef, since making these proposals.
“We have repeatedly confirmed that the proposals are voluntary and are continuing work on the details needed to fully respond to their concerns.
“We look forward to completing this work with both of our trade unions.”
The RMT is considering the response from TfL but has previously not been satisfied with reassurances that it has been given.
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RMT unionTube strikesLondon UndergroundTransport For Londonthe Tube