No Deadman, No Driver

Posted in Tubeworker's blog on ,

The Circle and Hammersmith & City lines and the District line's Wimbledon branch have come to a halt this evening as drivers refuse to go along with management's wish to operate trains that may be fatally unsafe.

'C' Stock trains seem to have a problem with the 'deadman's handle', the kit that is supposed to ensure a train stops if the driver becomes incapacitated. On several units, the driver was able to reset the deadman whilst in a motoring position, which should be impossible. The brakes released and the train was able to continue on its way.

This fault carries a very serious risk - that a driver could become incapacitated eg. by fainting or being injured, and the train could stop, but then start again, with, in effect, no driver in control. The lives of drivers and passengers are at risk.

This problem first arose last night, but this morning, the fault was replicated. Management saw no reason to take urgent action, or even to agree to meet union reps! So once again, it was down to Tube workers to defend our own and our passengers' safety by refusing to drive trains that could carry a potentially fatal fault. By this afternoon, the entire Barking late turn had refused to drive, together with many drivers - both RMT and ASLEF - at the other depots.

Then suddenly, management found themselves available to meet union reps tomorrow morning after all. Amazing how flexible they become under pressure of workers taking action.

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