Tube Lines seeks court order to stop underground strike

Tube lines is seeking a High Court injunction to stop London underground maintenance workers striking today as planned.

Rail union RMT announced earlier this month that London tube workers will strike for six days in June and July, after tube companies failed to give assurances on jobs, pay and working conditions.

The first strike is scheduled to start at 7pm tonight and last until 7pm on Friday 25 June, affecting the Northern, Piccadilly and Jubilee lines.

Tube Lines however said it has strong contingency plans are in place to support the safe operation of passenger services. Transport for London (TFL) meanwhile does not expect there to be significant disruption if the strike goes ahead.

RMT yesterday rejected a new three year pay deal offered by Tube Lines.

Andrew Cleaves, acting chief executive of Tube Lines, said the company is surprised over RMT's decision to reject the pay deal when many other organisations within the UK are being forced to freeze salaries or cut jobs during this challenging economic climate.

He said: 'No-one can question the generosity of our pay offer given today’s financial climate and we remain deeply confused as to the reasoning behind the RMT‘s decision to reject such an offer when Aslef, TSSA and Unite have given strong indications that they are prepared to accept the same pay deal'.

Cleaves urged RMT to reconsider its decision to strike, and said in the meantime Tube Lines will seek an injunction to challenge the accuracy of the strike ballot.