Elizabeth line drivers have voted to go on strike on four dates starting at the end of February.
The industrial action was announced by ASLEF after drivers voted overwhelmingly to walk out.
Mick Whelan, the union’s General Secretary, said: “Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line – it’s a partnership, in practice, between the company and its employees – but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance, and the value of train drivers in this success.”
RAIL understands the dispute is down to pay.
MTR, which will be replaced as the line’s operator by Tokyo Metro and Go-Ahead in May, said it had offered drivers a 4.5% pay rise.
Managing director, Mike Bagshaw, said he was “disappointed” the offer was rejected, but hoped to resolve the issue with ASLEF.
He added: “The offer would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions.”
Nigel Gibson, one of ASLEF’s full-time district organisers, and lead officer with MTR, said: “Taking action is always a last resort, because we do not want to inconvenience passengers and our members do not want to lose money, and I hope that the company, seeing the strength of feeling amongst our members, their drivers, will do the right thing and return to the negotiating table.”
Drivers are set to strike on February 27, March 1, March 8 and March 10.
Turnout for the vote was 88 per cent, with drivers voting 95% in favour of taking industrial action.
Login to comment
Comments
No comments have been made yet.