Annie Mole's, webmaster of Going Underground, daily web log (blog).
If you like this you'll LURVE One Stop Short of Barking, THE fun and informative BOOK about travelling on the London Underground.
The "slightly improved" offer from London Underground was rejected because it didn't address most of the union’s reasons for rejecting the earlier offer. RMT stated the money on the table was not enough, they weren't happy with the shift payment increases and believe the offer doesn't reward staff for their work during the run-up to the Games.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:"RMT is rejecting this latest Olympics and Paralympics pay offer from LUL and we will be meeting with the company again to press our case for a flat rate, across the board payment which recognises the contribution of all staff throughout the high pressure extended Olympics and Paralympics period and which is free from a whole barrage of strings and caveats.
“Other employers, notably London Overground, Network Rail and most recently DLR, have come up with serious offers and agreements and we expect London Underground to do the same.
“It is well documented that transport will be the biggest logistical challenge throughout the Olympics period with massive pressure on staff and services from moving millions of extra passenger journeys around Greater London and the South East.
“All we are calling for is a fair deal for all the staff involved in delivering the colossal transport challenge that we will be facing this summer and the negotiations to achieve that are on-going.”
This news is pretty bad timing for London Underground as TfL have just launched a campaign called ‘Get Ahead of the Games’ to ensure that tourists, Londoners & commuters can effectively plan their journeys during the Olympic Games.
Sharon Grant, Chair, London TravelWatch who support the campaign said: ‘The Games will inevitably place a huge strain on the transport system and we all want to minimise the impact on ordinary Londoners so that they can avoid unnecessary disruption and enjoy the entertainment that is taking place on their doorstep. At certain times and in certain locations, London and the UK’s road and rail networks will be much busier than usual and the new website will help people to plan their journeys accordingly.’
Let's hope a potential Tube strike is one of the things taken into account in helping people plan their journeys.
"The magic, mystery & sometimes maddening shortcomings of London's Tube are documented with love, enthusiasm & sometimes despair by its unofficial social historian." The Guardian
