Tube drivers vote to take strike action

ASLEF union members have secured a 99 per cent yes vote in a ballot over protecting working conditions and pensions. The union said its members would take action if changes were forced through without negotiation.

Nearly £4bn in government bailouts has been paid to keep TfL services afloat during Covid.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s organiser on the Underground, said TFL management and government “now want to plug that funding gap by slashing staff pensions and tearing up our agreed working conditions”.

He hailed the vote as “extraordinary” and celebrated their members for showing “huge courage”. Nearly 1,400 Tube drivers were involved in voting in the ballot with only 16 drivers voting against strike action.

Tube train drivers were asked: “Are you prepared to take part in industrial action consisting of a strike?”

He said: “It’s a staggering mandate from our members that sends a clear message to Transport for London. Government cuts to its funding, together with a fall in passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic, have led to a financial crisis at TfL.

“This ballot result shows that our Tube train drivers aren’t prepared to let them get away with it…”

A Transport for London spokesperson said: “This mandate relates to ongoing discussions with our trade unions. We urge ASLEF to continue working with us to resolve these matters without having to resort to industrial action.”