London tube workers to stage three day strike over FA Cup final weekend

London Underground workers will stage a three-day strike over the FA Cup final weekend

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has announced that 1,200 maintenance and engineering workers will strike for three days from 7 am on May 17 in a row over safety, with the FA Cup final taking place the day after the industrial action begins. It's one of the busiest weekends of the year for tube services taking passengers to the stadium - such as the Bakerloo and Jubilee lines - which could now be out of operation for the showpiece final. The RMT said its members had voted by 9-1 in favour of industrial action due to claims that train preparation and inspection schedules were being "hacked back". "The ballot result showed just how angry Tube staff are at proposals London Underground are attempting to bulldoze through that would decimate the inspection and safety culture on the fleet,” said RMT General Secretary Mick Cash. "Despite that result, Tube bosses have ignored the workforce and are pressing ahead and it is that intransigence that has left us no option but to confirm industrial action. "Our message is clear, LU (London Underground) should pull back immediately rather than crash on regardless of the consequences of their actions. We remain available for genuine and serious talks." The workers involved in the dispute are based at maintenance depots across London.