The GLA Conservatives have recommended the government ban strike action on the London Underground.
In a report entitled ‘Struck-Out: Reforming London Underground’s Strike Laws’, the political group estimated that industrial action on the Tube cost London around £1 billion between 2005 and 2009.
As well as banning Underground strikes, the GLA Conservatives has recommended introducing a judge or panel to rule on disputes without a compromise between the two parties – a process called ‘binding pendulum arbitration’.
In its conclusions, the group also suggests that more than half of all union members must vote in favour of binding pendulum arbitration before it can take place.
The report states that: “Strike action on the London Underground can be hugely disruptive, has been estimated to cost London’s economy £48 million per day and stops many people – including those on low wages – from getting to work.
“Therefore we have argued that, for strike action to go ahead, it should have the informed consent of a majority of those choosing to strike.”
