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.
Crow said: "RMT reiterates this union's complete
opposition to driverless trains. Every train must have a driver, to
ensure the safe and effective running of the Underground.
"Plans
to scrap drivers or reduce their driving duties are risking safety,
services and jobs and are motivated by saving money and undermining
trade unionism.
"We will be campaigning for a massive yes vote in
this ballot and with further packages of Tube staffing and service cuts
expected to be unveiled by the mayor and Transport for London shortly,
RMT is on high alert to use every weapon in our armoury to resist
attacks on our members and the safe running of the Tube network."
Earlier this year in July the RMT said that London Underground had a secret document "“Deep Tube Railway – Generic Operations and Maintenance Concept – 2020” which planned to
move the entire Jubilee line to driverless operation within three years,
with trials starting later this year, and that other lines would follow. However TfL denied these trials.
LU's Gareth Powell stressed that consultation with staff would always take place before driverless trains were introduced: "We will always consult with staff on any changes and, because of the
timescales needed to develop and introduce new trains and to phase out
older fleets, we will continue to need drivers well beyond the point
when driverless operation could come into effect."
Are the RMT now proposing strike action for plans that currently don't exist?
"The magic, mystery & sometimes maddening shortcomings of London's Tube are documented with love, enthusiasm & sometimes despair by its unofficial social historian." The Guardian
