After years of claiming that noise levels on deep tube lines are within legal limits, London Underground have now admitted that on the Victoria line, they in fact exceed those limits.
That means that from today (Sat, Sept 21st) to comply with regulations, mandatory hearing protection will be made available at Victoria line booking-on points. This is expected to be required until late November.
Instead of having dealt with the underlying problems, management are now applying a band-aid approach to the symptoms. Issuing ear defenders can not be an alternative to action to actually reduce the noise level.
This is a problem that would have been avoided if management had acted earlier. But they choose to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the complaints of drivers and union reps.
Everyone has the right to a safe working environment and to act to protect their own health and safety. ASLEF will always support members who take appropriate steps to stay safe at work.
The ASLEF Executive Committee has formally informed London Underground that their failure to deal with the noise issues on the Victoria, Central, Northern and Jubilee lines are unacceptable. Unless there is an urgent resolution, a ballot for strike action and action short of a strike will take place.
A further update will be provided to members as soon as possible and full reports will be given at your ASLEF branch meeting. Please attend if you can.
Finn Brennan
ASLEF District Organiser.
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