TUBE UNION RMT today confirmed a programme of industrial action to back up a demand for urgent progress over tube track noise after drivers voted by more than 95% in favour of industrial action in a ballot covering the Jubilee, Central, Northern and Victoria Lines.

As a consequence of the failure of the company to act decisively members on the Jubilee, Central, Victoria and Northern Lines will be instructed to take continuous industrial action short of a strike with effect from 00.01 hours Thursday 10th October 2019 (until further notice): -

When in Pandrol Vanguard areas on these lines, my members will be instructed to drive trains in manual mode at an appropriate reduced speed to mitigate the creation of excessive noise and to alleviate the distraction, discomfort and anxiety caused in the affected areas.

RMT has been campaigning on the issue for some time and although some improvements have been made the progress has been slow and has only been achieved through relentless pressure from RMT safety reps. The residual issues are clear:

• London Underground have refused to introduce temporary speed restrictions (TSRs) at Pandrol Vanguard track locations to help alleviate excessive track noise and anxiety for our drivers and travelling public alike.

• London Underground have failed to provide an acceptable timescales for the removal of this track.

The union balloted drivers for action short of a strike and the superb response indicates the anger and frustration of driver members and their determination to secure the urgent and lasting improvements that are required.

The ballot result has been considered by RMT’s executive and the programme of action has been confirmed to ratchet up of pressure on the company with the union making it clear that it will have no hesitation in taking action if that is what it takes to protect the health and well-being of driver members.

General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“It is appalling that RMT driver members have had to resort to a programme of industrial action in order to force London Underground to take the issue of excessive track noise seriously. It should never have come to this and the blame lies solely with the employer and their failure to protect the workforce.

"This is an issue that impacts not only on our members but on the travelling public as well and the union is absolutely determined to ensure that the company don’t drag their feet for a moment longer.

“We welcome the fact that union pressure has secured some progress but it has been too slow and our executive will be monitoring the situation and considering whatever further action may be required to ensure that the health of our members exposed to this barrage of noise night and day is given top priority.”