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Vol. 80/No. 15 April 18, 2016
London ‘tube’ drivers strike against unsafe trains
Militant/Jonathan Silberman
LONDON — Hundreds of London Underground “tube” drivers — members of the
Rail, Maritime and Transport and the Associated Society of Locomotive
Steam Enginemen and Firemen unions — took 24-hour strike action March
23. Pickets at the Arnos Grove depot, above, spoke of company harassment
and intimidation and unsafe trains. There has been a rise in
disciplinary action, pickets told the Militant.
“There are serious questions over the safety of the aging fleet on the
Piccadilly line in terms of braking systems, wheel flats and brake
operation” a union spokesperson said in January. The union has insisted
for years that the 40-year-old trains — known as “1973 stock” — are
dangerous.
For example, the door on a moving train with passengers flew open Jan.
16. The RMT said there had been four similar incidents in preceding weeks.
The company claimed the door opening was an “isolated incident.” But the
BBC reported two doors opened on a moving train in October 2013. The
Rail, Maritime and Transport union plans further stoppages on April 19
and 21.
— JONATHAN SILBERMAN
Related articles:
April 14 actions will demand $15 an hour and union organizing
On the Picket Line
For $15 an hour and a union!
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