Tube drivers threaten disruption on Jubilee, Central, Northern and Victoria lines over noise levels
Tube drivers have threatened disruption on four London Underground lines after voting overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in a dispute over noise levels.
Drivers who are members of the RMT rail union voted by over 95 per cent in favour of industrial action in a ballot covering the Jubilee, Central, Northern and Victoria Lines over the issue of noise on the track.
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RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is appalling that RMT driver members have had to resort to a ballot in order to force London Underground to take the issue of excessive track noise seriously.
“This is an issue that impacts not only on our members but on the travelling public as well and the union is absolutely determined to ensure that the company don’t drag their feet for a moment longer.
“We welcome the fact that union pressure has secured some progress but it has been too slow and our executive will be monitoring the situation and considering whatever further action may be required to ensure that the health of our members exposed to this barrage of noise night and day is given top priority.”
Morning Wire has approached Transport for London (TfL) for comment.
No date has yet been set for the action, but it will not include strikes. Instead drivers could introduce measures like refusing to work overtime.
Tube drivers received new ear defenders for particularly noisy Underground lines in June.
Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Piccaddilly, Bakerloo and Northern Line drivers got new mufflers to protect them against noise levels that were reportedly as loud as being at a rock concert.
One of the worst areas was the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line around Finchley Central, as well as between Euston and Tufnell Park.
Read more: Tube drivers get ear defenders for ‘deafening’ Underground lines
Aslef, which had demanded the new ear plugs, said at the time that “ear defenders are only a stop-gap solution”.
“London Underground must find an effective long-term solution and we will continue to put pressure on management to find one,” the union added.