Christmas Tube Strike Moves One Step Closer

On the Doomsday clock that heralds a December tube strike, we're just a few minutes before midnight: the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), which represents ticket office workers and management and is just about the only union still on speaking terms with London Underground, stormed out of talks yesterday after reversing their decision to accept a pay rise of 1.5% for their members. The union say they are considering ballotting members on a strike, a move that Unite and RMT are pressing ahead with. Aslef is the only union yet to show their hand. A Chrimble-time strike would prompt much gnashing of teeth and hectoring invective about these militant unions, though in late December, the Tube, clogged with oversized duffel coats and lengthy scarves and countless shopping bags, is perhaps best avoided.