Tube Strike Threatens Ken Livingstone's Re-Election Chances

Strategic Insights -

A strike on the Tube, threatened by Bob Crow's Rail, Maritime and Transport union, has inflicted a significant blow on Ken Livingstone's campaign for re-election as Mayor of London. The union's decision to hold the strike on June 10 has timed it perfectly to coincide with the final week of the election campaign, potentially damaging Livingstone's chances of re-election. The strike is the latest in a series of disputes between the union and London Underground, with the union demanding above-inflation pay rises, a 32-hour, four-day week, and a minimum starting salary of £22,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • The strike has dealt a significant blow to Ken Livingstone's re-election campaign, particularly considering the union's close ties to the Mayor.
  • The strike is a result of a series of disputes between the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and London Underground over pay and working conditions.
  • The union is demanding above-inflation pay rises, a 32-hour, four-day week, and a minimum starting salary of £22,000.
  • Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, had been expected to use the strike as a negotiating tool in pay talks.
  • Sources close to the union suggest that Crow had not intended for the strike to take place on June 10, but was overruled by the executive committee.
  • The union's decision has been seen as a significant mistake, with some analysts suggesting it may have handed the election to Livingstone's main rivals.

Statistics:

  • 2,614 votes in favour of a strike were cast in the union ballot, with 643 opposing the strike.
  • The strike date of June 10 was voted on by the union's executive committee by a 5 to 3 vote.
  • London Underground has offered a 3 per cent pay rise, plus a further 0.5 per cent increase from October linked to changes in working practices.
  • The union is demanding a 32-hour, four-day week, with a minimum starting salary of £22,000.

Sources:

  • A Populus poll in the Times newspaper.
  • Sources close to the Rail, Maritime and Transport union.
  • London Underground.