The RMT union is to ballot staff working at former PPP contractor Tube Lines for industrial action as part of a campaign by the union “for equal pension and travel-pass rights.”
Transport for London bought Tube Lines in 2010, ending the Tube PPP system, and converting the company into a wholly owned subsidiary of TfL under the control of the Mayor in his capacity as TfL Chair.
The union says staff should be allowed to join TfL’s Pension Scheme and receive the same travel concessions as other London Underground staff, including those who previously worked for failed PPP contractor Metronet.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “We have gone through all the negotiating channels on both these issues but Tube Lines has refused to budge.
“Former Metronet employees have been allowed back into the TfL Pension Fund (TfLPF) and now also have the same travel facilities as other LUL employees. Tube Lines is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London and there is simply no excuse for refusing to give equal pension and pass rights.”
Mr Crow insisted “the union remains ready to talk,” but said “a strong mandate for industrial action will show Tube Lines and TfL the depth of anger there is over this blatant lack of fairness.”
