UK rail unions pledge support over safety fears
The UK's biggest railworkers’ union tonight pledged to support any London Underground driver or other employees who refused to work normally on grounds of safety following the latest explosions.
Talks were held between LU managers and union safety representatives after some drivers refused to take out Tube trains because they had safety concerns.
The issue will be considered further at a meeting tomorrow between union officials and London Mayor Ken Livingstone.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union, said that “enormous pressure” was put on Tube workers to continue working as normal following today’s incidents.
Mr Crow said employees had expected the entire Tube network to be shut down, which is what happened two weeks ago following the earlier bombings.
“At the emergency meeting today we were told that lines apparently unaffected by the attacks should continue running.
“We will be discussing these issues further when we meet the Mayor tomorrow, but the RMT has made it quite clear that any LU worker who refuses to work in these circumstances on the grounds of safety will have the complete support of the union.”
Mr Crow paid tribute to the “professionalism and commitment” of LU workers who helped to evacuate Tube stations today.
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