Tube strikes: Unite ultimatum to TfL gives London Underground ballot deadline

A ballot on industrial action by some Tube workers will be held if a "realistic" pay offer is not made on Monday, a union has warned Transport for London (TfL).

Unite has been in meetings with TfL at conciliation service Acas. It says a new pay off tabled on Thursday was "substantially below inflation" after six months of talks it has been involved in, along with three other unions: TSSA, RMT and ASLEF.

It is understood the offer is a 4% increase in base pay for London Underground workers.

The unions are meeting with TfL at Acas again on Monday (October 16).

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “TfL know full well that Unite members on the London Underground won’t accept this pitiful pay offer.

“Unless TfL is prepared to put a realistic offer to workers on Monday a ballot for industrial action is set to swiftly follow.”

Unite regional officer John Murphy said: “Our meeting with TfL on Monday is going to be a very short one unless management ups its game and make a fair pay offer.

“Unite members are skilled and hard working. They keep London moving and they deserve a pay increase which helps them keep up with rising prices.”

Nick Dent, director of London Underground customer operations, said: “We are having ongoing discussions with the trade unions representing London Underground staff regarding pay. We are not in dispute with them and are committed to negotiating a fair and affordable pay deal, which also considers our current financial position as an organisation. We will continue to engage with the unions openly and constructively on this matter.”