Second tube strike over alcohol dismissal

Tube users face disruption this weekend as London Underground workers plan to strike in protest of a colleague who was sacked for failing two alcohol breath tests.

London Underground walkers plan strike over colleague who was sacked for failing two alcohol breath tests

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said members will walk out from 9.30pm on Saturday 7 March until 3.59am on Sunday 8 March.

It claims the dismissal was unfair, as the type of breathalyser used did not account for people with diabetes, whose bloodstream produces acetone.

According to London Underground, the employee in question was dismissed for failing two breath tests that were not affected by the condition, and the case has been through a complete disciplinary hearing and appeals process, plus a separate independent director’s review.

London Underground assured that it had looked into the possibility that diabetes could affect the results of the breathalyser, but ruled the test was not affected by acetone.

However, the RMT has accused the London Underground of “misinformation and smears” against the union.

“This action is the first stage as part of a rolling programme of industrial action and I urge all RMT London Underground train operators and instructor operators to stand firm together against this and any future injustices against RMT members,” said Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT union.

Nick Brown chief operating officer of London Underground said the strike was “indefensible” over the dismissal of someone who had failed two alcohol breath tests.

“We will not be swayed by it as we will never compromise on the safety of our customers and staff,” he said. “You wouldn’t let someone who had been drinking alcohol drive your family in a car and we don’t let people who have been drinking alcohol drive people’s families in tube trains.”

With a 42% turnout, members voted 299 to 221 in favour of industrial action.

According to London Underground, those drivers who voted to strike represent approximately 8% of all tube drivers.

Workers held a 24-hour strike in December last year in protest of the same incident.