London Tube drivers have voted to go on strike after rejecting a pay rise that would have taken their salaries to £70,000 for the first time. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) voted on Tuesday in favour of industrial action, raising the likelihood of Tube strikes later this month.
The vote comes amid widespread public sector pay increases handed out by the government, sparking concerns over potential tax hikes or increased borrowing to cover the costs. The RMT’s decision means that union leaders can now announce strike dates with just two weeks’ notice, potentially coinciding with upcoming public holidays or school breaks, such as the October half-term holidays or Hallowe’en.
RMT members also voted to take action short of a full strike, including not working overtime shifts. Members rejected a 3.8 per cent increase proposed by Transport for London (TfL), which would have raised Tube drivers’ salaries to just over £69,600 annually.
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said, “Our members on London Underground are sending a clear message to management that they will not put up with substandard pay offers or any attempt to treat members unequally in any pay deal. We are always willing to find solutions to industrial relations issues, but our members will not tolerate an imposition of any pay deal where members are not being treated equally or fairly.”
The ballot for strike action began in August, with TfL proposing a 3.8 per cent pay increase alongside reforms to pay and working conditions. RMT literature distributed to members urged them to vote in favour of striking, stating, “This pay offer is dangerous. It threatens your right to have your union negotiate your pay.
RMT leaders are also preparing to ban members from working overtime shifts, working on rest days, and training other staff to replace striking workers. Almost all Tube drivers currently work overtime, with some earning over £100,000 a year by taking on additional shifts.
Sources familiar with the negotiations indicated that reforms to working practices, including paid parental leave, have been a key sticking point in the discussions between RMT and TfL. A previously threatened Tube strike in January was averted when the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, secured £30 million for pay increases.
The RMT union, which represents nearly all London Underground drivers, holds considerable influence over the economic activities of the capital. A TfL spokesperson responded to the strike threat by expressing disappointment that the RMT had chosen to ballot its members, stating, “We are disappointed that the RMT has balloted London Underground employees over pay and conditions. We have held a number of constructive discussions with our trade unions and have presented a pay offer. We are still considering their feedback and will continue to work with the unions to ensure that we reach a fair agreement for our hardworking colleagues that is also affordable and delivers for London.”
The spokesperson added, “It would be in everyone’s best interest to continue to discuss this without the threat of strike action, so we can work together to support London and the wider UK economy.”
If the strike goes ahead, it is likely to cause widespread disruption for London commuters, affecting businesses and everyday activities in the capital. TfL has emphasised its desire to reach a resolution without industrial action, as the city braces for potential travel chaos should the union and TfL fail to find common ground.
