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The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has called the recently announced tube strikes an “absolute travesty” for London’s “fragile” night-time economy.
It comes as tube union RMT has announced rolling strike action across the network beginning on Friday 5 September for seven days, with different grades taking industrial action at differing times.
The union said the strikes come after management reportedly “refused to engage seriously with union demands on pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns and a reduction in the working week, as well as failing to honour previous agreements made with staff”.
The tube workforce was said to have voted in “overwhelming” numbers to take strike action in light of this.
Following the confirmation, NTIA has called for all parties involved to “return to the table immediately” to avoid the disruption.
Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association, said: “The announcement of rolling Tube strikes is an absolute travesty. At a time when the night-time economy is still extremely fragile, this level of disruption could not be more untimely.
“Our sector is already under immense pressure from rising costs and reduced consumer confidence. To now face a week of transport chaos will devastate businesses, staff and customers who depend on safe and reliable late-night travel.”
He added: “We urge all parties to return to the table immediately — London’s cultural and economic recovery cannot be held hostage to this dispute.”
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members are doing a fantastic job to keep our capital moving and work strenuous shift patterns to make sure Londoners get to their destinations around the clock.
“They are not after a King’s ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on our members health and wellbeing- all of which have not been adequately addressed for years by LU management.”
He added: “Coupled with the fact there are outstanding issues around staff travel arrangements, an atmosphere of distrust has been created, where our members feel like no one is listening to them. RMT will continue to engage LU management with a view to seeking a revised offer in order to reach a negotiated settlement.”
