Strikes planned to cause maximum disruption over the Christmas period will cause chaos for Londoners.
The first 24-hour strike planned for Christmas Eve will cause disruption to the 600,000 people who use the Piccadilly line daily. Around 300 drivers will be involved in the industrial action.
Train drivers’ union ASLEF have warned that the dispute affecting the Piccadilly line could spread.
Union negotiator, Terry Wilkinson said: “The Christmas Eve strike is caused by the employer’s disregard for safety review procedures jointly agreed with the unions and designed to identify solutions to problems like signals passed at danger.”
The dispute started when a train driver was demoted after passing four signals at danger. Aslef claims London Underground broke their agreement on handling such cases.
Wilkinson commented: “Arnos Grove drivers are not striking to protect an individual driver disciplined for passing signals at danger. They are angry that management have violated the joint agreement which is designed to enhance safety.”
A second strike set to take place on January 5, will cause further chaos when people return to work.
In a separate dispute the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is balloting 330 signal workers on all Tube lines on whether to take industrial action.
Thursday’s ballot will ask members to vote on a dispute over pay, work hours and job cuts. New Year’s Eve is being touted as a possible date for the strike.
