TfL in strike talks to avert Piccadilly Line closure

Talks between Transport for London and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union took place on Monday in a bid to avert planned strike action from London Underground later in the week.

Piccadilly line train operators who are RMT members are planning industrial action from 2100 BST on Wednesday 11 July to 0100 on Saturday 14 July, with other lines expected to be operational but busier than usual if the strikes go ahead.

The union said the dispute was based on a “continued failure” by London Underground to employ enough drivers or properly maintain the Piccadilly Line trains, leading to poor working conditions.

Mick Cash, general secretary of The RMT, said: “There have been repeated problems on the Piccadilly Line going back a number of years which have led to dispute after dispute and the failure of LU management to get a grip has tipped the situation over the edge yet again. That is why we have had no option but to put on these strike dates.”

TFL said it will publish travel advice for the line’s 0.8m passengers if the strike goes ahead, including customers intending to travel between Heathrow airport and central London.

Nigel Holness, director of network operations for London Underground, said: “We urge the RMT leadership to work with us constructively on the local issues they have raised rather than threaten to disrupt our customers. We remain available for talks to prevent any unnecessary industrial action on the Piccadilly Line.”

The strikes coincide with President Trump’s 13 July visit to the UK but, as it has emerged that he will be dodging London for the most part, he is unlikely to be affected.