RMT Southern protest at Parliament 1.11.16, photo Paula Mitchell

RMT Southern protest at Parliament 1.11.16, photo Paula Mitchell   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Combined strike action by up to 400 train drivers and other rail workers is set to bring Southern and London Underground to a standstill.

There will be further Southern strike action, which will coincide with disruption to the Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City lines on the tube.

Drivers in Aslef voted 87% in favour of joining the dispute on Southern with the strikes to take place on 13, 14 and 16 December. Another three-day walkout by Southern RMT guards is planned for 6-8 December.

The RMT has also announced 24-hour walkouts by train drivers on the Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City lines from 9.30pm on 6 December.

Mick Whelan, the Aslef general secretary, said: “Our trade dispute with the company is that there should be no introduction and or extension of new driver-only operated routes on Southern without the agreement of Aslef.”

Both the Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City line walkouts follow a breakdown in industrial relations.

The RMT reports “heavy handed and aggressive management” on the Hammersmith & City line, and “ripped up” policies and procedures on the Piccadilly line.

TSSA station staff on London Underground have also announced action, over staffing levels, voting 67% in favour of a strike.