The London Underground power workers’ strike around pay and pension differentials is set to continue until 22 July.
The strike, which began on 1 July, involves a Tupe [Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006] arrangement, that saw employees move to other organisations some years ago, and then return under London Underground management, but with different conditions.
This means that some workers started their length of service from day one when they returned to London Underground, while others brought back their full number of previous years’ service, resulting in a differential impact on the level of pensions and other entitlements for some staff.
Employees are also asking for pay rises to cover the training of new recruits.
London Underground has offered employees a total lump-sum payment of £13,700 and up to a 7% pay rise in return for changes in work practices.
The technicians are based at the power control room in Blackfriars Road in London, where they provide power for the 270 station underground network.
Richard Jones, head of command and control at London Underground, said: “We simply will not give in to wild pay claims at the expense of fare and taxpayers.
“The unions have already rejected lump-sum payments of £13,700 and salary increases of up to 7% in exchange for increased productivity.”
Hugh Roberts, regional officer at union Unite, added: “Our members have voted to continue strike action to 22 July and we would urge [London Underground] management to get around the table at Acas [the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service] to achieve an equable settlement.”