TUBE STRIKE THREAT AS TRADITIONAL AS TURKEY & CAROLS - LIB DEMS

1.24.38pm GMT Fri 24th Dec 2004

Commenting on the New Year Tube strike that appears to have been averted after last ditch talks, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, said:

"While it will come as a welcome relief to Londoners that the New Year strike appears to have been averted, it is disgraceful that we have the same merry-go-round every year.

"Christmas and New Year Tube strike threats are now as traditional as turkey and carols. Londoners cannot go on being held to ransom like this. The Capital's weary travelling public are sick and tired of the constant threat of strikes and the inability of bosses and unions to get round the table before balloting members on industrial action.

"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.

"It makes you wander just what concessions and at what price London Underground had to pay before they could get Tube unions to call this strike off.

ENDS