The RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport) Union has announced plans for two major strike actions later this month on the London Underground and the First Great Western service.
Around 2,000 First Great Western (FGW) workers will start a 48-hour strike from 6.30pm on July 8 to 10 July after failing to gain assurances over the introduction of the new Hitachi inter city express trains.
The dispute is over issues including keeping a safety competent guard and buffet car facilities on every train as well as guarantees of no job losses. Around 80% of members voted for the industrial action, which also includes an overtime ban from 6.30pm on the 10 July until 11.59 on the 11 July.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘This strike action is unnecessary and I want to see all parties involved get back around the negotiating table quickly to resolve this issue. This strike will disrupt hard-working people trying to get around, as well as hitting businesses and the economy.’
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘It is frankly ludicrous that East Coast, who are introducing the same trains, have given us the assurances we are seeking but FGW have ignored us and are crashing ahead with the ripping out of buffet cars and the threat to safety-critical station and train staff purely to maximise the profits from new trains bought for them by the British taxpayer.’
More than 90% of members also voted to hold a 24-hour walk out on London Underground from 6.30pm on 8 July, over Transport for London’s plans for night services from September.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘Balloting has concluded today in a series of disputes on London Underground, including the linked issues of pay and night running and also in the long running dispute over station staffing, mass job cuts and ticket office closures.
‘The industrial relations situation on the Tube has sunk to an almost unprecedented low with all four unions united and balloting for action over pay and working arrangements due to be ushered in under the guise of the mayor's “night Tube” vanity project in just 10 weeks' time.’
Members of the TSSA and Unite unions have also backed industrial action and could co-ordinate their protests.
Steve Griffiths, LU's chief operating officer, said: ‘Londoners and businesses overwhelmingly back the night Tube. It will make life easier for everyone, cut journey times, create jobs and boost the economy.
