Union threatens to derail the capital’s jubilee celebrations

A RAIL union has been accused of holding the Platinum Jubilee weekend to ransom by announcing plans to cripple London’s transport network over the bank holiday.

As many as 4,000 station staff will refuse to take on any overtime from June 3 to July 10, which could significantly reduce Tube services and force station closures from Friday.

They will then strike on Monday 6 June under plans drawn up by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

The ban on overtime working means station staff will not agree to take on extra work beyond their contracted hours, which typically applies to weekends, evenings and national holidays.

This could cripple Transport for London’s (Tfl) ability to run a 24-hour service during the weekend and the following week.

Strike action is likely to force the closure of almost all stations in central London on what will be the first day back to work after the four-day Platinum Jubilee celebrations. If all 4,000 members opt to strike then Tfl may have to consider closing all underground stations for safety reasons.

The dispute centres on fears that planned job losses by TFL could lead to remaining staff having to work more unsociable hours or be left alone in stations at night.

TFL said that the devastating impact of the pandemic on its finances “has made a programme of change urgently necessary”.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: “TFL is trying to bulldoze through 600 job losses on London Underground and our members are not prepared to accept that.

“Station staff play a crucial role in serving the travelling public and were heroes during the 7/7 terrorist attacks.

“Instead of seeking to cut jobs, TFL and Mayor Sadiq Khan need to put further pressure on the Government to secure increased funding for the network so we can have a properly staffed modern 21st-century Tube.”

Andy Lord, Tfl’s chief operating officer, said: “We are extremely disappointed that the RMT has announced unnecessary strike action on June 6.”