Tube strikers may get sack

BARRIE CLEMENT

Tube management yesterday threatened the biggest London Underground union with an injunction and warned strikers that they could face dismissal.

Leaders of the RMT transport union, who have called their members out on a 48-hour stoppage from noon next Wednesday, said the threats would prolong the dispute.

Also on Wednesday Aslef, the train drivers' union, is expected to disclose the overwhelming rejection of a pay and conditions package and announce its own strikes. While the RMT has only managed to halt less than third of the services in three previous 24-hour walkouts, a strike by Aslef would close the system.

As the TUC congress in Brighton passed an emergency motion backing the action, management warned that from now on each stoppage would be seen as "irregular attendance" by strikers and could mean eventual dismissal.

London Underground also demanded that RMT stop recruiting non-strikers or face legal action. A company spokesman said that non-union members were being urged by the union to "join now,strike now". He argued that such a tactic was unlawful because the union was legally obliged to give the names of each striker to management before the action.

Ann Burfutt, London Underground's human resources director, demanded a reply from the union by 3pm today or face possible court action.

Jimmy Knapp, general secretary of the RMT, said the warning of litigation was another example of the company's "bizarre" behaviour.

He added that there would be no settlement unless London Underground agreed to include a "no victimisation" clause in any deal. The RMT is protesting over a 3 per cent pay and productivity package which many London Underground staff believe could lead to compulsory part-time working. The offer to Aslef is similar.

Denis Tunnicliffe, managing director of London Underground, yesterday wrote to 1,600 RMT strikers and 100 Aslef members who were refusing to cross picket lines, warning them that they could face disciplinary action.

"We are putting it on record that we know who has been on strike and we have made them aware of the fact that they are in breach of their contract," Mr Tunnicliffe said.