Retired tube staff ‘insurance policy’ for London

Posted by GLA Conservatives in News   Share2015

Aug
5

Recently retired tube workers, such as drivers, signallers and station staff, could prop up the Underground during industrial action, according to GLA Conservative Richard Tracey.

Richard Tracey said:

“The unions are actively blocking the night tube which would benefit millions of people. It’s Londoners who will yet again suffer on their way to work, and businesses will be hit to the tune of £300m a day. It’s time to establish a pool of relief staff, much like London Fire Brigade’s current strike contingency. This means we’ll always have a core service even on strike days, and it could be run by retired staff like the fire brigade. It’s an insurance policy for Londoners and the Mayor needs to make it happen.”

The London fire brigade has a “contingency arrangement”. The external contractor covers all training, HR, transportation etc. and are paid an annual retainer. The tube could follow this model.

New figures obtained from Transport for London (TfL) show 364 tube drivers alone have retired in the last five years – a small number of them could run a core service, and be paid the wages which the striking staff would have received.