10 July 2015
Members of Aslef and RMT picketing London Underground’s Northumberland Park Depot in Tottenham, north London, on 9 July told cpbml.org.uk why they were on strike. The dispute, they insist, is about working conditions, not pay, associated with the proposed 24-hour operation of the tube.
They say London Underground management is not prepared to negotiate about future arrangements for clear rest days and the right of staff to a family life. Management is simply trying to impose all-night working as a part of normal conditions of service, which would also involve a compulsory change to contracts.
The dispute is about working conditions, not pay, associated with 24-hour tube operation.
Staff are not against the idea of extended working but simply want its introduction discussed responsibly. There are also safety and maintenance issues.
The pickets said there will need to be adequate manning at stations to deal with any problems and the more intensive exploitation of rolling stock and track is bound to mean more maintenance.
They pointed out that for nearly the whole of August the Victoria Line is going to be closed between Seven Sisters and Walthamstow Central for essential upgrades.
Drivers and other staff have to get to work in all weathers to keep the Tube going and also have a key role when there are incidents. For example LT workers were the first on the scene after the 7/7 bombings getting doors open for the emergency workers.