Central line strike to go ahead tomorrow after last ditch talks break down
Last ditch talks between TfL and the train drivers' union ASLEF to avert a strike on the Central Line broke down today (October 4). Picture: Mike Brooke - Credit: Archant
Last ditch talks between union reps and rail bosses to avert a strike on the Central line tomorrow have broken down.
The train drivers union ASLEF announced this afternoon that they had failed to reach a deal with TfL at a joint meeting with the conciliation service ACAS to avoid Friday’s 24-hour walkout.
ASLEF’s Finn Brennan said: “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to make real progress today. Management still refuse to move on the key issues.” Mr Brennan, threatening further strike action, said: “Senior figures at TfL need to take a long, hard look at what is going wrong with industrial relations on London Underground and act to fix the problems.”
Today’s talks appear to have broken down over TfL’s refusal to reinstate a sacked driver.
The overall dispute centres on drivers’ concerns about rail bosses’ alleged unfair treatment of staff who ASLEF says go unsupported when sick.
You may also want to watch:
There are also disagreements over overtime, “unsafe” working practices and bullying, according to ASLEF.
Nigel Holness, director of network operations for London Underground, said: “I am disappointed that ASLEF has chosen to go ahead with this needless strike action, despite positive discussions over recent days.
Most Read
- 1 'Racist consultation' protest rejected on Tower Hamlets street closures as Labour sticks to its manifesto
- 2 Ethnic communities not taking up Covid jabs, Tower Hamlets Mayor warns
- 3 Airbnb house party violence leaves police officer with broken finger
- 4 The Queen lends her name to Royal London’s emergency Covid wards
- 5 Council fined for Alexia Walenkaki's playground death in Mile End and says sorry to family
- 6 Streets around proposed Chinese embassy building could be renamed after persecuted Muslims
- 7 Police raid cannabis factory near Liverpool Street station: 2 arrests
- 8 No injuries but 20 rescued as firefighters tackle Limehouse blaze
- 9 Police hunt after stabbing in Cable Street: One man hurt
“In those discussions we have made good progress on resolving most of their issues, but have not been able to agree on the reinstatement of a train driver who was dismissed for a serious breach of our safety regulations.
“The safety of our customers and staff is paramount and something we will never compromise.
“We remain open for discussions on how to resolve this dispute, and apologise to our customers for the unnecessary disruption.”.
The walk out is due to start at 00:01am and end at 23:59 on Friday. It will also affect the Waterloo and City line.
