The union has announced members will strike on June 19th, 27 and 29th and 1st of July over a decision not to reinstate Tube driver Arwyn Thomas who is currently awaiting the results of an employment tribunal claim.
The RMT says the case “has clear parallels” with that of Eamonn Lynch who was reinstated following a successful claim for unfair dismissal.
In a statement RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “RMT has made every possible effort to get Arwyn Thomas back to work and it is the intransigence of LU management, who have dragged their heels and failed to reach agreement over the past month, that has left us with no choice to put this strike action on.
“This is a clear cut case of victimisation and RMT calls on London Underground once again to stop the delaying tactics, and the continuing waste of hundreds of thousands of pounds that they have thrown at this case, and get Arwyn Thomas back to work.
A TfL spokesman said: “It is completely mystifying that, having agreed with London Underground that the tribunal process should take its course, the RMT leadership is now threatening strike action again.
“We committed in good faith to legal discussions ahead of Mr Thomas’ tribunal. Unfortunately, no agreement was reached. We have always made clear to the RMT that we would respond appropriately to the tribunal’s finding.
“We remain determined to improve the industrial relations climate and have been working with the RMT to ensure a jointly sponsored independent overview of disputes takes place. This recent positive engagement makes it all the more incredible for the RMT leadership to threaten Londoners with strike action once again, particularly as it was backed by just 29% of its members.”
Union members will strike on the following dates:
· Between 21.01 hours on Sunday 19th June 2011 and 03.00 hours on Monday 20th June 2011.
· Between 21.01 hours on Monday 27th June 2011 and 11.59 Hours on Tuesday 28th June 2011
· Between 12.00 hours on Wednesday 29th June 2011 and 11.59 hours on Thursday 30th June 2011
· Between 12.00 hours on Friday 1st July 2011 and 21.00 hours on Friday 1st July 2011
