Tube passengers are facing a growing threat of strike action early next year after several unions rejected a proposed five per cent pay offer.
The RMT, which represents about 10,000 London Underground staff, is mid-way through balloting its members on possible walkouts.
Unite has asked Transport for London to increase its offer to 6.1 per cent – with a strike ballot likely to follow if this is refused.
TSSA, which represents Tube managers, is also understood to have rejected the five per cent increase for the current financial year, despite TfL having insisted it is a “full and final offer”.
The result of the RMT ballot is due on December 19 – meaning the earliest a strike could be held is on January 3, as a fortnight’s notice has to be given.
TfL’s problems could worsen if Tube drivers belonging to Aslef also reject the deal. However Aslef leaders have recommended the offer be accepted, as it follows an 8.4 per cent rise last year. Its referendum is due to close on December 11.
The potential for another walkout comes after a “ceasefire” in relations between TfL and the main Tube unions, after strikes were averted at the 11th hour in July and October when staff pensions were safeguarded and guarantees were secured on station staffing – saving about 200 jobs.
Tube drivers currently earn a fixed salary of £63,901, and Instructors £66,649, but many are able to boost their pay by working overtime.
New figures released by TfL reveal that in 2022/23 a total of 2,648 drivers and 46 instructors enjoyed a total package, including salary, pension, overtime, allowances and bonuses, of between £70,000 and £80,000.
A total of 235 drivers and 284 instructors received a total of £80,000 to £90,000, two drivers received £90,000 to £100,000 and one driver topped £100,000.
These higher packages included situations when drivers chose to work their holidays before leaving London Underground.
Lower-rank station staff typically earn about half the salary of a train driver. The RMT’s Jared Wood said the five per cent pay offer was “inadequate”.
He said: “The RPI rate in April, when this pay rise was due, was over 11 per cent. That means that we are six per cent down on the cost of living.”
Both the RMT and Unite want TfL to increase staff pay bands. If this does not happen, they say some staff will be unable to receive the full pay deal on offer as their salaries will be capped if they reach the ceiling of their current pay band.
Aslef says Tube driver salaries are lower than those offered to drivers on the Elizabeth line and London Overground, both of which are operated by private contractors – MTR and Arriva – under contract to TfL.
TfL said: “London’s Tube drivers have an important, safety-critical role in keeping London moving.
“London’s Tube drivers supported us through the pandemic and continue to play an important role in rebuilding our economy.
“For the safety-critical role they fill, they are paid a competitive salary which is in line with other train operators across the country.”
