For a few years now, Tube Lines workers have been fighting for equal pensions and passes. Readers will no doubt recall strike action over the issue. But that was a long time ago now, and while they did win staff passes, staff who joined Tube Lines since it formed under the notorious PPP still do not have the right to join the TfL Pension Fund on the same terms as everyone else.
Management have conceded the 'principle' of equal pensions and are looking for ways to fund it. Surprise, surprise - they reckon getting rid of nearly 500 jobs (in both LU and Tube Lines) should do the trick!
The unions should be calling new strikes on Tube Lines. The connection between Tube Lines pensions and passes and the threats to all our jobs could not be clearer. RMT has done well getting LU, TfL and DLR workers all out on strike together, but has not yet brought Tube Lines into the fray. It should do.