Annie Mole's, webmaster of Going Underground, daily web log (blog).
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Aslef has been demanding triple pay and a day off in lieu for working on bank holidays however TfL stress that there is already a long-standing agreement for working on bank holidays, including Boxing Day.
Apparently talks between TfL and Aslef are already under way, but Mick Whelan, the union's general secretary said: "We have not seen any positive response, but we are hoping it will be resolved. The company has only recently agreed to sit around the table with us."
Howard Collins, London Underground's chief operating officer, said:
"It would be quite wrong for the Aslef leadership to ballot for
industrial action while we remain engaged in discussions to resolve this
issue. We have had a series of positive discussions with Aslef representatives and there is a proposal on the table.
"LU has a long-standing agreement with all trade unions which
cover working arrangements on bank holidays, including Boxing Day.
However, we have shown good faith and have further reviewed Boxing Day
service arrangements."
It's obviously early days and there is opportunity for a positive result. However for the past two years TfL failed in legal challenges to get the strikes
called off. Even though the RMT union are not involved in this dispute, they may compound the issue by refusing to cross picket lines should a strike take place.
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