Londoners have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the Night Tube services for more than a year. As September passed by, it became apparent the launch date would be delayed. Sadly, unions have now stated the all-night London Underground service will not be introduced at all this year.
The delay has been caused by disputes over staff pay and working conditions. According to Finn Brennan, district organiser for the ASLEF union, London Underground has rejected all of the union proposals.
“Most disappointingly of all,” says Brennan, “they have decided to blackmail their own employees by refusing to make a pay offer unless staff agree to worsen their working conditions. That is not something we are prepared to accept.”
Originally, the start date was set for 12 September 2015. The Night Tube was going to provide 24-hour weekend services on the Jubilee, Victoria, Piccadilly, Central and Northern Lines. In February of this year, it was announced the night-time services would also be extended to the London Overground by 2017 and extended to the Metropolitan, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) lines by 2021. Until an agreement is met between London Underground and the unions, however, the launch date is suspended indefinitely.
Although this news is highly disappointing to all Londoners, the most affected are London businesses, such as restaurants, bars, theatres and clubs. A spokesperson said the Night Tube would host many new opportunities for the London night-time economy, supporting around 2,000 permanent jobs and boosting the economy by £360 million. These businesses were counting on the additional income and planned accordingly, but now they will lose tens of millions of pounds due to the delayed launch. Fingers crossed a compromise can be made soon.
