Drivers on the Night Tube will be balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay and career progression.
The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) accused London Underground of stopping drivers moving into vacant fulltime jobs Night Tube station staff are able to.
Speaking to the BBC today, the RMT’s general secretary Mick Cash accused London Underground of “outrageous” discrimination as Night Tube drivers are not eligible for overtime pay due to them being contracted to work 16 hours a week.
“This is a senseless and damaging policy that picks out one group of staff for negative treatment and of course the drivers are angry and that is why we are balloting for action,” he said. “RMT calls on LU to see sense, stop these stupid attacks on career progression and fair reward for overtime working and confirm that this discrimination against the Night Tube drivers has been lifted.”
The Night Tube runs on the Central and Jubilee lines, meaning any strikes will affect stations in Canary Wharf, Mile End and Bethnal Green.
Peter McNaught, London Underground Operations Director, said: “Night Tube services have been running since August last year in line with agreements reached with the unions. We invite the RMT to meet with us to discuss any issues that need to be resolved and there is no need to threaten industrial action.”
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