Overwhelming Aslef vote for strike on London Tube

Trade union movement news

Overwhelming Aslef vote for strike on London Tube

From an Aslef press release, 18 June 2015

Aslef members on London Underground have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over the company’s decision to try to force through, without negotiation, new rosters which would mean Tube drivers will have to work an unlimited number of weekend and night shifts for no extra pay.

Aslef members were asked two questions:
Are you prepared to take part in a strike?

Yes 1,771 [97.6%]

No 44 [2.4%]

Are you prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike?

Yes 1,786 [98.7%]

No 24 [1.3%]

Turnout was 81.3%

The ballot was triggered when management ended direct talks with the unions and started the process to impose new rosters. Underground staff have been told that unless they agree to the rosters then no pay offer will be made this year.

Aslef’s executive committee has announced a 24 hour strike from 21.30 on 8 July that will see the entire tube network shut down.


Two of the other main Tube trade unions, RMT and TSSA, are also balloting for action, opening the prospect of strong coordinated action across the network.