London tube drivers’ strikes to go ahead from June 19, RMT union confirms

Rail union chiefs have confirmed this morning that lightening strikes involving drivers on the London Underground are going ahead from next weekend until the beginning of July.

The RMT has failed to reach agreement with transport bosses to reinstate sacked driver Arwyn Thomas who they say was victimised for his union activities.

Drivers are being instructed not to book on for shifts next Sunday (June 19) from 9pm until 3am the next day, Monday (June 20).

RMT has also served notice of further action the following Monday to Friday: 9pm June 27 to 12noon June 28, 12noon June 29 to 12noon June 30 and 12noon to 9pm July 1.

Union General Secretary Bob Crow accused LU of “delaying tactics” estimated to be costing �250,000 in legal fees and ‘wasted time.’

He said: “Drivers are well aware of the consequences of allowing union activists and safety reps to be picked off while we hear daily reports of breakdowns and network failures from cuts we have been fighting.”

Mr Thomas had a successful appeal for ‘interim relief” for unfair dismissal at the Employment Tribunal on grounds of harassment and victimization, following what the union says were unproved allegations by strike breakers.