UNION bosses are balloting Tube drivers over a possible capital-wide strike in solidarity with two sacked colleagues.
The Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union has proposed a walk-out of train operators in the escalating dispute with London Underground over the cases of Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas.
The union claims both men were sacked because of their activities for the RMT – Mr Lynch on the Bakerloo Line, and Mr Thomas in various positions during the last 29 years.
Transport for London, in a statement, dismissed as “absolute nonsense” the idea the two men were suspended because of union activities, and added: “It is disgraceful that the RMT leadership is now choosing to ballot when both cases are still going through the employment tribunal process.”
Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said: “Eamon and Arwyn have been victimised for fighting cuts to jobs and services that would turn the tube into a death trap.
“We are balloting all of our drivers to send out the clearest signal that workers who stand up for tube safety will get the full support of RMT members.”
The ballot of almost 1,500 members is due to close on April 27, and means any disruption will not coincide with the Royal Wedding as there needs to be seven days notice before a strike.
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