In strike votes to be announced today and tomorrow, the 57,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and those of the smaller Aslef train drivers? union are expected to approve a two day work stoppage which could shut down London?s subway system. This latest in a series of industrial actions is being taken in response to a continuing pay dispute with the London Underground---which is in the midst of planning for a proposed partial privatization opposed by the unions. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association which represents station staff is also planning a two day strike over pay disputes against the already privatized Arriva Trains Northern.
See "Unions expect backing today for strike on Tube", CHRISTOPHER ADAMS and JULIETTE JOWIT, Financial Times, February 19, 2002