LONDON UNDERGROUND WORKERS RENEW STRIKE MANDATE

TfL to pause job cuts and detrimental pension changes on the Tube to give both sides the space to come to a negotiated settlement. RMT proposed that TfL suspended the implementation of 600 station job cuts until the end of this year and not agree to detrimental attacks on tube workers' pensions arising out the current pension review that it is conducting with the government. However, tube bosses said that they would press ahead with the plans, meaning that LU staff had no choice but to go ahead with strike action. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that TfL had missed a golden opportunity to make progress in negotiations and avoid strike action. "Our members are resolute in their determination to see a just settlement to this jobs and pensions dispute and they will continue their industrial campaign for as long as it takes. "TfL need to start making compromises and work with the union to reach a deal that works for staff and avoids further disruption to the lives of passengers,” he said. As part of the government’s Long-term Funding Settlement process TfL had been forced to lay out options in respect of ‘reforming’ the TfL Pension Fund in order to make £100 million of savings. The two options include introducing Career Average Revalued Earning (CARE) pension schemes which will result in pension entitlement being based on an average pensionable salary throughout service instead of a final pensionable salary at retirement. This represents a massive financial risk which could make workers poorer in retirement, work longer, and pay more in contributions. Government demands for pension cuts completely ignores the fact that TfL is already saving £70 million per annum as a result of the 2021 actuarial valuation results which showed a surplus of £179 million. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 ::january 2023 :: RMTnews 5 R MT members have delivered a decisive ballot result in their campaign to protect pensions, working agreements and prevent job losses on the London Underground. 91.1 per cent voted yes in the ballot on a 53.1 per cent turnout, meaning that tube workers have the right to continue to withdraw their labour in the coming weeks and months. Transport for London has plans to cut 600 jobs and want to undermine RMT members pension entitlements. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was a fantastic result for members and proves that the arguments the unions has been making are endorsed by tube workers. "TfL and the Mayor of London need to seriously re- think their plans for hundreds of job cuts and trying to take hard earned pensions from workers who serve the people of London on a daily basis. "We are acutely aware of the funding cuts being foisted on TfL by the Westminster government. However, Mayor Sadiq Khan needs to mount a serious campaign for the people of London, to get the capital city the funding it deserves for its public transport. "He should not be trying to sacrifice our members pensions and jobs to fit within budget restraints laid down by Boris Johnson,” he said. LONDON UNDERGROUND WORKERS RENEW STRIKE MANDATE