An appeal to Aslef drivers: don't cross the picket lines!

Posted in Tubeworker's blog on ,

Here at Tubeworker, we've shared the widespread feeling of galvanisation and collective strength that's been prevalent since the start of the Night Tube dispute. With all four unions striking together, we've asserted ourselves as a workforce in a way we haven't for decades.

That's why it's especially disappointing that Aslef has broken that unity, begun separate talks with management, and won't, as of now, be joining the 25-26 and 27-28 August strikes.

LU has said it won't "impose" Night Tube rosters, and that while it remains "operationally ready" to deliver Night Tube on 12 September, the ongoing dispute may push that start date back. Aslef has interpreted this as a victory, and says management have now agreed to talks with them to discuss a list of 17 separate demands, including a reduction in the working week and freezes or reductions of weekend working for "existing Train Operators".

Leaving aside objections that deals benefiting only "existing" staff (rather than making permanent improvements to agreements) risks creating a multi-tiered workforce, Aslef has essentially decided to slam the breaks on their dispute in exchange for... more talks. There is no concrete offer on the table; management has made no concrete concession. Even if Night Tube is delayed (and even this is uncertain), there is every possibility that LU will refuse to budge on rosters, weekend working, reduction in the working week, etc. Without the pressure provided by industrial action, Aslef has, even on their own terms, severely weakened their hand.

Many Aslef drivers know this. Tubeworker supporters in depots around the combine say that many Aslef drivers aren't satisfied with the union's decision not to call further strikes, and want to see the dispute through - i.e., win some concrete concessions, rather than merely "winning" a vague promise of further talks. Even if Aslef doesn't officially participate in the upcoming strikes, we know there'll be widespread refusal by many Aslef drivers to cross picket lines.

There is a bigger conversation to be had here about industrial unionism versus sectional or grade-based unionism; about who really benefits from a workforce divided between four different unions; and about whether it is desirable or even possible to win a good deal exclusively "for drivers" without considering the context of management's attacks on the whole job. That conversation must take place, but it won't conclude before 25 August, so Aslef members will need to ask some questions of themselves, each other, and their union in the next 10 days. Those questions might include the following:

  • Does what we've been offered really represent a concession, or merely, at best, a delay?
  • Is a management that has already proved itself to be belligerent and bloody-minded likely to concede much through "talks", or is it more likely to concede under pressure from combined industrial action?
  • Will it really make sense to cross picket lines that we were stood on three weeks previously? Has enough changed to warrant that?
  • We appeal directly to rank-and-file Aslef members: Don't cross the picket lines! Fight within your union to reinstate strikes! See the fight through!

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