Published
Tue, Mar 1, 2016, 15:50
- 84% of the membership voted in favour of London Underground's recent offer.
A major hurdle has been cleared in favour of London's proposed night tube service.
At the start of February, the head of the largest tube-affiliated union, RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport), publicly urged its members to accept London Underground's latest pay and conditions deal in a February 11th vote. The results of that vote have just emerged via the BBC, with 84% of the 10,000-strong membership voting in favour. Of the three other unions involved (ASLEF, TSSA, Unite), only ASLEF has come out in support of the deal, recommending its members to follow suit and accept terms. The result of that vote is expected on Monday, March 7th.
Speaking to the BBC earlier today, London Underground's Chief Operating Officer Steve Griffiths had this to say: "I'm pleased that RMT members have voted to accept our offer. This is a fair and affordable pay deal, which includes complete protection of employee work-life balance. We are seeking agreement with the other unions and continue to focus on the recruitment and training of part-time drivers to deliver the Night Tube for London as quickly as possible."
The service, which was initially meant to start in September 2015, was delayed and then suspended only weeks before the launch. Once it's up and running, it will extend a 24-hour service across the Jubilee, Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly and Central lines. For more info, including a night tube map, head to Transport For London's official page.