Night Tube staff to strike

Night Tube drivers have voted to strike over a “block on career progression” with the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, and drivers union Aslef.

Unions are protesting what they see as obstruction of career progression for drivers, as the Night Tube operators are forbidden to move into a vacant full-time position elsewhere for at least 18 months. All other staff, including part-time Night Tube employees, are eligible to apply for roles, but drivers are not. The RMT has described this clause as “outrageous”.

The unions also point out that Night Tube operators do not attract the overtime rate of pay until they exceed a 35 hour working week. As these staff are currently contracted for just 16 hours a week, this means they’re prevented from being compensated for late finishes for up to another 9 hours – including during periods of service disruption, where they may be unable to physically leave the vehicles.

The Night Tube service currently runs across the Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines on the London Underground.

What do you think of this controversy? Are you in support of the strike?

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