Union calls on Livingstone to intervene in dispute

Following the New Year's Eve walkout, tube workers are set for a second strike after talks at mediator ACAS broke down after four hours without further talks scheduled.

The RMT union, which represents 4,000 staff, are planning a 24-hour strike to begin on Sunday January 8th at 6.30pm. 

The union called on Mayor Ken Livingstone to intervene in the dispute and said London Underground has shown "complete intransigence'' in the talks. Livingstone spoke out against the union for their decision to strike on New Year's Eve saying the strike would "spoil a great night out for hundreds of thousands of Londoners"

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said frontline station staff, who were praised for their work on July 7th when three bombs were detonated on the Underground, were facing the sack. The RMT are also complaining about a change in working hours and job roles.

RMT regional organiser Bobby Law believe the unions have no choice but to strike stating "It's London Underground that won't suspend the introduction of the rosters which we believe is unsafe - not just for our members - should they be introduced. We believe they will be unsafe for the travelling public as well."

The news is a further blow to commuters who faced a 50% rise in cash tube ticket prices when they returned to work this week. A single cash fare for Tube travel in zone 1 has risen by 50 per cent, now costing �3. Single bus fares rise from �1.20 to �1.50.�People who use the Oyster card for single Tube fares in zone 1 will only pay �2, while single bus fares with the Oyster card will remain at �1.

January 5, 2006 5:32 PM