Northern Line tube strike will go ahead next week after talks break down

Tube strike: Northern Line drivers plan to walk-out next week (Picture: Jeremy Selwyn)

28 November 2014

Tube drivers on the Northern Line will go on strike next week after peace talks broke down.

A planned walkout staged by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union will go ahead following the sacking of a colleague for allegedly drinking on duty.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "Talks at Acas, which RMT had been calling for with the objective of reaching a fair and just settlement in this case, have broken down due to a total refusal of the management side to engage in any kind of meaningful discussions.

"As a result of London Underground's disregard for negotiations and their own procedures Monday's action goes ahead as planned."

Phil Hufton, London Underground's chief operating officer, said: "The RMT has absolutely no basis to take strike action after one of their members was dismissed for failing an alcohol breath test.

"To ensure the safety of our employees and customers we operate a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol at work. At no point to date has the RMT leadership disputed our alcohol testing process, which is fully in line with medical standards and is representative of best practice in the rail industry."

London Underground said it will try to run a good service on the Northern Line during the strike but warned there may be some disruption.

The drivers are expected to begin the strike at 4.44am on Monday morning until 4.43am on Tuesday morning.

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Northern Line tube strike will go ahead next week after talks break down

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