Tube strike set to go ahead

Westferry Circus-based Tube Lines, responsible for maintenance on the three lines, have offered workers a 4.95 per cent pay increase, and have no plans to make another offer.

The union balloted 1,000 members over industrial action, demanding Tube Lines match the 5.1 per cent deal given to workers doing similar jobs at the Underground's other maintenance company Metronet.

Laura Cox from Tube Lines said: "We believe that a pay offer of 4.95 per cent is very competitive, especially when compared with the UK average rise of 3.7 per cent.

"We are disappointed the RMT is taking this stance and passengers have every right to feel angry over the proposed action.

"There are differences between our offer and Metronet's deal. They are in the third year of an agreement but the Metronet pay is not substantially more than what we are offering.

"The RMT's vote against the offer and the length of their proposed action defy reason and perhaps suggests there is an ulterior motive behind the rejection. They have made no secret of their desire for Tube maintenance to return to public ownership."

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, said: "RMT members on Tube Lines do the same work as colleagues on Metronet and they have made it clear they are not prepared to be left worse off.

"Our members are facing the reality of a five per cent inflation rate and soaring energy and food bills, and if Tube Lines wants to avoid a crippling strike it should get back around the table with an offer that meets their needs."

The vote for a strike only involved a quarter of Tube Lines eligible staff and the company are confident they will be able to cover absences.

"It's too early to say exactly how things will work out," said Ms Cox. "Not everyone will be on strike so we'll see what happens."

A second strike is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3.