Tube electricians call for strike

The union says night workers deserve the same pay rise as day workers

Electricians who maintain the Tube network after hours have called two 36-hour strikes.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said its workers deserved job parity with those on day shifts.

The staff are employed by EDF Energy Powerlink and are planning to strike on Sunday and again on 7 December.

A spokesman for EDF Energy Powerlink said 26 of its employees were balloted and it would ensure services would "operate normally".

Transport for London (TfL) also said the strike would not affect services on London Underground and that it expected the network to run as normal.

But the union said the strikes have the potential to close large sections of the Tube network.

Fixing faults

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Shift testers at EDF Energy Powerlink are seeking nothing more than parity with their day-work colleagues."

The shift testers are responsible for finding and fixing faults on the Underground's more than 250 power sub-stations and for maintaining supply.

Mr Crow said day-workers received a £3,000 pay rise in exchange for agreeing to greater shift flexibility - money that night-workers are now seeking as well.

He said shift workers have changed from 10-hour days and 14-hour nights to a new system of 12-hour shifts.

A spokesman for EDF Energy Powerlink said "a small number" were balloted and said it hopes to find an "amicable resolution".

The spokesman said: "However, in the event action is taken, arrangements are in place to ensure that the London Underground can continue to operate normally and that the safety of passengers and staff is maintained at all times."

Should the strikes proceed, the first would begin at 2000 GMT on Sunday and end at 0800 GMT on Tuesday.