Fresh strikes threatened on Tube

There are seven ongoing disputes

A spate of rows over pay, sackings and staff transfers on the Tube could lead to more strikes, a union has warned.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is currently involved in seven rows with London Underground (LU) or its contractors.

The disputes involve more than 2,000 workers and the RMT said it would "look to co-ordinate strike action".

Transport for London (TfL) said it was disappointed strike action was being threatened over the matters.

A TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that strike action is being threatened by the RMT regarding local disputes with LU that are already being progressed through existing procedures.

There has been a spate of clearly unfair sackings and a sharp increase in complaints our reps are receiving Bob Crow, RMT union

"Co-ordinating strike action would serve no purpose other than to cause unnecessary concern for our passengers."

The RMT has claimed there had also been a "sharp increase" in the number of complaints about bullying of workers.

The biggest dispute involves 1,000 workers, employed by maintenance firm Tube Lines, who are being balloted for industrial action over pay.

Hundreds of cleaners and staff who put up advertising posters at Tube stations have already gone on strike in disputes over pay that remain unresolved.

Union members have also staged a walkout in support of a sacked colleague and staff transfers.

Ballots over possible industrial action are currently being carried out over another sacking, and in a separate row over industrial relations.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, said: "There has been a spate of clearly unfair sackings and a sharp increase in complaints our reps are receiving about bullying and harassment.

"There are people being treated appallingly and each of these issues needs to be sorted but if they are not we will look to co-ordinate strike action to make sure they are."

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