Metronet maintenance workers are scheduled to strike for 72 hours from 18:00 on September 3, and again from 18:00 on September 10 over jobs, transfers and pensions arising out of Metronet's collapse and its being placed in administration.

RMT has told LUL that unless it receives unconditional assurances that drivers will not be expected to drive trains that have not been fully prepared and inspected by qualified staff over tracks that have not been properly inspected in line with minimum standards the union will be in dispute.

"Train operators are obviously concerned that if Metronet staff do take action, the regular train preparations and track inspections will not be undertaken within usual timescales," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

"Our members regard the current train-preparation and track-inspection procedures as minimum standards, and they are not prepared to see them diluted, temporarily or otherwise.

"I have told LUL that in the event of industrial action at Metronet, it is not acceptable for train operators to be asked to drive trains over track sections where either has not been the subject of the established preparation and checks, with or without dispensation from HMRI or the Chief Engineer.

"There is no way our members can be expected to put themselves or members of the public in danger, and I have made it clear to LUL that unless we receive the unconditional assurances we are seeking by 5pm today we will be in dispute," Bob Crow said.

See also:

Union's safety fears over strikes

BBC News: 30 August 2007

A union has warned that a series of planned strikes on the London Underground could undermine safety.

Metronet went into administration after a projected £2bn overspend

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union wants guarantees safety checks on trains and tracks would not be compromised by the walk-outs.

Strike action is planned on 3 and 10 September in a row linked to the collapse of maintenance firm Metronet.

The RMT warned there would be another dispute if basic safety standards were not observed during the strikes.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Train operators are obviously concerned that if Metronet staff do take action, the regular train preparations and track inspections will not be undertaken within usual timescales.

"Our members regard the current train-preparation and track-inspection procedures as minimum standards, and they are not prepared to see them diluted, temporarily or otherwise."

Union leaders will meet London Mayor Ken Livingstone on Thursday for talks about the Metronet dispute.

Rail unions want guarantees that there will be no job losses, forced transfers or cuts in pensions as a result of the collapse.