The center line will be hit by a strike on election day UK News

Central Line Tube workers will strike next week on May 6, the same day voters go to the polls to elect the mayor of London.

The RMT union, which represents transport workers, today announced its intention to strike on polling day for the dismissal of one of its members who allegedly “avoided” a drug and alcohol test. what the union denied.

The London Underground said that “there may be disruption for customers” using the central line on May 6, but that “we will do everything possible to ensure a regular service”.

The strike action follows the dismissal of RMT representative Gary Carney, who, according to union general secretary Mick Cash, was “a blatant case of victimization for union activities”.

Mr Cash said Mr Carney, who was fired in February, had been the victim of “unfair, fabricated and utterly unwarranted” accusations.

Today he said: “The dismissal of Gary Carney is a blatant case of victimization for union activity and his colleagues have made it clear that they stand side by side with him in this fight for justice.

“RMT will not hesitate to escalate this dispute if (the London Underground) does not correct this problem.

“The union remains available for further discussions with the company and of course I will keep you informed of any further development.”

Nick Dent, director of customer operations for the London Underground, said the organization was “disappointed” with the union’s decision, but “we remain open to further discussions”.

He said: “We have strict and long-standing drug and alcohol testing policies, which have been endorsed by all of our unions and which will always take a zero tolerance stance as part of our commitment to favor of security. ”

RMT denied the claim that Mr Carney avoided taking a drug and alcohol test, and alleged that “the manager who fired Gary for a disciplinary investigation raised (him) ‘s specific issue. be a union representative ”.