Strike planned by London Underground workers due to pay disagreements
Business leaders are worried about how the strikes will affect investor confidence and disrupt trade and tourism in the lead-up to Christmas.
Two transport unions in the London Underground are set to go on strike in November over a pay dispute, confirmed by Aslef and the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT) on Wednesday.
Aslef members, including Tube drivers, instructors, and management grades, will strike on various days in November. The union cited dissatisfaction with the pay offer of 3.8 percent and a variable lump sum, stating that Tube drivers would still earn less than other Transport for London (TfL) staff while working longer hours.
RMT members working as maintenance, signaling, and station staff will also strike on different days in November after rejecting what they considered a subpar pay offer.
General Secretary Mick Lynch from the RMT expressed disappointment in the pay offer from London Underground and the threat to collective bargaining rights.
Christmas Concerns
Business leaders are concerned about the impact of multiple strike days on investor confidence and industries dependent on pre-Christmas trade.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s chief executive, Karim Fatehi, emphasized the importance of a reliable transport network for London’s reputation as a global business center, especially as the festive season approaches.
TfL expressed disappointment at the strikes and invited unions to further discussions, offering a revised pay offer with an average uplift of 4.6 percent.
Strikes and Pay Raises
Recently, there have been strikes across various sectors in the UK, including junior doctors, teachers, and train drivers. The government has been negotiating pay raises with public sector unions since coming into power.
The government is also scrapping the Minimum Service Levels (Strikes) Act introduced by the previous administration to allow minimum service levels during strikes in key sectors like healthcare and transport.
Aslef recently accepted a deal for its national rail drivers, ending a two-year dispute with operators across the country.
Earlier this month, NHS workers in England accepted the government’s 5.5 percent pay offer, and junior doctors reached a pay deal with the British Medical Association after a long-running dispute.
The junior doctors’ committee co-chairmen indicated that while the pay offer was a step forward, they would consider further action if disagreements persist on other matters, such as pay uplifts.
PA Media contributed to this report.
