Funny how a company can make huge profits but still 'can't afford' to give its workers a decent pay rise. Or not so funny, if you work for TubeLines.
The Infraco's derisory offer would leave workers trailing behind people doing the same jobs in Metronet. It also leaves TubeLines with a two-tier workforce, with post-PPP staff worse off than their longer-serving predecessors. And TubeLines is still refusing to offer any progress on numerous issues about conditions of work, including, pensions, travel and annual leave.
So once again, workers are left with no choice other than to strike for a decent deal. RMT will be sending out ballot papers from Monday August 4 to be returned by August 13. This timescale should enable a TubeLines strike to coincide with the next cleaners' strike.
Disputes over the last year and more in Metronet provide a model for how this strike can be successfully fought, in two ways in particular. Firstly, it is essential to set up a strike committee that can both coordinate canvassing, leaflets, picketing etc, and can work to ensure that head office is well aware of members' feelings. And secondly, the LUL workforce should be well aware that it is not safe to work when essential repair and maintenance workers are on strike. And although TubeLines' main business is with the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, it also includes the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) for the whole Underground - and none of us are safe if they are not around.
