Bakerloo line strike: Walkout to disrupt Boxing Day services
The RMT union had confirmed two days of industrial action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bakerloo Line staff will strike on Boxing Day, further disrupting Christmas travel.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) who work at key Bakerloo Line stations will walkout from 5am to 11.01pm on Wednesday 26 December. The action applies to all union members who work at Charing Cross, Elephant & Castle, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.
The Bakerloo Line strike follows the planned Central Line strike, which is due to take place on 21 and 22 December. A further Bakerloo strike is scheduled from 10.29pm on Sunday 13 January to 10.29pm on Monday 14 January.
In addition, members are being told to refuse to familiarise staff who would not normally work at their station, including ambassadors, from 11.02pm on Wednesday 26 December 2018 until further notice.
Staff are striking due to London Underground’s alleged failure to ensure sufficient shift coverage, which “creates undue stress on staff and puts all members and the travelling public at increased risk,” RMT said in a statement.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT members are rightly angry that staffing levels on the Bakerloo Line have been hacked back to the bone presenting a serious danger to staff and passengers alike.
“Previous commitments to ensure safe staffing coverage have been flouted and in order to press the company to address the issues we have no option but to announce a programme of action.
“The union remains available for serious and genuine talks.”
Brian Woodhead, London Underground’s director for customer service, said of the strike: “This action is entirely unjustified. We have adhered to all the commitments that we have made on staffing numbers across the network, and upheld the agreements made with unions as recently as last year.
“We call on them to withdraw this action, which will only cause unnecessary disruption for customers during the festive period, and to work with us to resolve this dispute without strike action.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments