Striking RMT moves out of line with drivers

BARRIE CLEMENT

Travellers face partial disruption of the London Underground system tomorrow after train drivers accepted a peace formula, but leaders of other staff rejected it.

Aslef, the train drivers' union, is to put management proposals to its 2,000 members although RMT, which represents other staff, looks set to press ahead with a strike. The RMT union is also planning walk-outs tomorrow week and the following Monday, 4 September.

While a stoppage by Aslef would have halted the network, action by RMT will cause fewer problems. Last time RMT members went on strike without colleagues from Aslef, management claimed that it ran 75 per cent of services.

The offer gives drivers a three per cent rise and the promise of a one hour cut in their working week.

Lew Adams, general secretary of Aslef, said his union would suspend their action to give members a chance to vote on the package.

Jimmy Knapp, leader of the RMT, however, expressed his concern that the cut in working time only applied to station staff and drivers, only 200 of whom are in his union.

A London Underground spokesman said the company was "very pleased" over the decision by the train drivers' union and hoped that the RMT would think again before its members were called out tonight.