• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS

RMT members vote to strike in row over breath-test Tube driver

February 10, 2015 by Martin Hoscik

empty_tube_front_900_2Tube drivers belonging to the RMT union have voted to strike in protest at the sacking of a colleague who London Underground claims failed two breath tests.

The RMT says its member “has a specific medical condition and the Union maintains that it was the failure to follow agreed procedures and to recognise that condition that has led to this unwarranted dismissal.”

Strike action was backed by 299 of those voting, with 221 voting against. The union says turnout was 42%.

London Underground had earlier urged members to vote against taking action, insisting the dismissal was inline with its “zero tolerance policy towards drugs and alcohol.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said the union will now consult with representatives before deciding its next move in the dispute.

He insisted the RMT “remains available for talks” and was “ready to abide by any decision made at an employment tribunal.”

One London Assembly member said the RMT would be “insulting Tube passengers if they strike over this issue”.

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commented: “Striking for better pay and conditions is one thing, but striking in defence of an employee who has failed two random breath tests is indefensible.”

“The RMT are the first to give lectures about health and safety when it suits their purposes. It is time that on this issue they practised what they preached and put the safety of passengers first.”

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

Filed Under: News

RECENT UPDATES

Tube and rail users to benefit from Oyster weekly fares cap

Mayor and TfL call on ministers to help plug funding gap

Tube to get full mobile phone coverage from 2024

TfL says Direct Vision Standard is already making HGVs safer for London road users




POPULAR

City Hall to move to Docklands as Mayor seeks to raise £55m for frontline services

‘Concern’ over TfL’s ability to deliver major projects in wake of Crossrail cost overruns

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

Copyright © 2025 · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy