TWO strikes on London Underground called in protest at plans to close the system's ticket offices will be met by the deployment of hundreds of 'Ambassadors', Transport for London said.
The stoppages are due to start at midday on 4 and 11 February and continue for 48 hours. Related action 'short of a strike', affecting the sale of tickets and collection of fares, is also planned by the union on other days.
But Transport for London said it was planning 'to keep London moving and open for business should strikes threatened by the RMT union’s leadership go ahead' by deploying more than 1,000 Ambassadors at Underground stations.
It promised that only Ambassadors who are fully trained and licensed will be employed at stations, but they will be joined by many more volunteers, who will keep passengers informed on how services are operating and offer advice on alternatives, including bus, London Overground and river services, as well as walking and cycling routes.
London Underground's chief operating officer Phil Hufton said: “Under our plans to modernise the service we offer our customers all our stations will remain staffed and controlled by our people at all times when services are operating. In fact, we will have more staff visible and available in ticket halls and on platforms to help customers buy the right ticket, plan their journeys and to keep them safe and secure. We’re also committed to implementing these changes without compulsory redundancies. There’ll be a job for everyone at LU who wants to work with us and be flexible.
“Given these assurances, we urge the RMT and TSSA union leaderships to end their strike threats and to work with us to shape the future of the Tube. However, should a strike go ahead, we’re determined to keep London moving and open for business and our TfL Ambassadors will play an important role. All a strike will achieve is lose those who take part four days’ pay.”
The unions involved have yet to comment.