TUBE UNIONS AND MANAGERS 'DRINKING IN LAST CHANCE SALOON'

11.13.32am GMT Thu 23rd Dec 2004

Commenting on the decision to vote for a strike that could be called for New Year's Eve, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"Tube unions and managers are drinking in the last chance saloon. Londoners are sick and tired of the constant threat of strikes and the inability of bosses and unions to get round the table and sort these disputes out like adults.

"With new figures out today showing that London's economy is growing slower than anywhere else in Great Britain, any strike during the Christmas period on the Tube will be a brutal kick in the teeth for businesses in the capital.

"Of course employees are justified in raising concerns over any number of issues with their employers. However, bullyboy tactics of threatening strike action every time union bosses are unhappy with negotiations is bad for business, bad for the image of London and bad for the travelling public."

ENDS