London Underground strike over alcohol sacking

London Underground tube drivers have embarked upon a 24-hour strike after a colleague was dismissed for “failing an alcohol breath test”.

London Underground staff are striking in defence of a colleague dismissed for “failing an alcohol breath test”

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members on the Northern Line walked out at 4.30am today.

According to Phil Hufton, from London Underground, the RMT “has absolutely no basis” to take strike action due to the circumstances surrounding the dismissal.

However, according to reports by the BBC, RMT general secretary Mick Cash denied claims that alcohol was involved citing them as “completely untrue”.

He continued to explain the driver has a “specific medical condition” and London Underground had failed to follow procedures, which “led to this unwarranted dismissal and the subsequent strike action”.

Talks by the conciliation service Acas on Friday to try and avoid strike action subsequently broke down.

In September, French rail staff went on strike for 24 hours in defence of two signalmen suspended for drinking rum cocktails on the job.