London Underground workers are set to go on strike next month over pay, the union has announced. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said that its members voted in favor of industrial action in a dispute over salary increases.
The strike is scheduled to take place on September 7th, and is expected to cause major disruptions to the London Underground network. The RMT represents around 10,000 workers on the Tube, including train drivers, station staff, and maintenance workers.
The union has accused Transport for London (TfL), which operates the London Underground, of failing to offer a fair pay increase to its members. The RMT is demanding a pay rise that is in line with inflation, as well as improved working conditions for its members.
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said in a statement, “Our members have shown that they are not prepared to accept a real-terms pay cut imposed by the London Underground. They work hard to keep the Tube running smoothly, and they deserve to be fairly compensated for their efforts.”
TfL has said that it is disappointed by the decision to strike, and has urged the RMT to return to the negotiating table. A spokesperson for the transport authority said, “We believe that our pay offer is fair and reasonable, given the financial challenges that TfL is currently facing. We are committed to reaching a resolution that is acceptable to all parties.”
The upcoming strike comes at a time when the London Underground is already facing significant challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ridership on the Tube has plummeted since the start of the crisis, leading to financial difficulties for TfL.
The RMT has warned that further strikes could be on the horizon if a resolution is not reached. Cash said, “Our members are determined to fight for a fair deal, and they will not hesitate to take further action if necessary. We urge TfL to come back to the table with a better offer.”
The strike is likely to cause chaos for commuters in London, who rely on the Tube to get to work and travel around the city. It remains to be seen whether the two sides will be able to reach a compromise before the scheduled industrial action takes place.