Christmas cheer for Tube commuters
Planned strikes on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve on two Tube lines have been suspended, the Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has confirmed.
Following intervention by the conciliation service Acas, the rail union has backed away from the 24-hour walkouts on London Underground’s Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.
The RMT has been angered by the sacking of a Tube driver for playing squash while he was on sick leave.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “We will continue to seek a fair hearing for the RMT member who has lost his job through an unfair and discredited disciplinary decision.
“We have stated at every stage of this dispute that an attempt should be made through Acas to resolve it, but London Underground (LU) management has ignored that responsible approach.
“RMT is pleased that Acas has now offered its help in resolving the dispute, and we are approaching that process with goodwill.”
London Underground said it was “very pleased” the Christmas period would now be disruption-free.
Chris Barrett, the driver involved, said earlier this week he was sorry the planned strike would ruin people’s Christmas, but “my whole life has been ruined”.
“I don’t want revenge, I just want my job back. That’s why I have to p*** off the people of London… it’s the one course of action available to me. I have to look after my family.”
