17/12/2003

Underground chaos looms as drivers threaten strike

London Underground drivers on two lines have threatened to take strike action on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, threatening chaos on the Tube system.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) have said that the two proposed 24-hour strikes will affect services on the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines. Union bosses said that the industrial action was in protest at the sacking of a colleague.

In a statement RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Our members are furious that the company has stood by a discredited disciplinary decision and continues to ignore evidence that clears their colleague’s name.

“This dispute is about London Underground failing to apply its disciplinary procedures in an even-handed, transparent and consistent way.

“We have been promised a new era of industrial relations on London Underground but we have seen precious little evidence of that happening."

Mr Crow said that the union remain ready to discuss the matter with the company directly or through the arbitration service Acas "at any time" and asked employers London Underground Limited "show the same willingness".

(SP)

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