RMT union finally reveals Night Tube dispute was down to pay rises, telling TfL “where’s our pay increase?”

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The same union that insisted its Night Tube strikes were over staff's work-life balance is now making veiled threats over the one thing it insisted it was never about: a pay rise. 
 
In fact, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers' union is calling for staff to receive a “decent offer” for pay even though there is still no word on when the Night Tube will launch. 
 
RMT's London branch this morning published its latest update saying although the Night Tube has been deferred, it “doesn't mean our pay rise should be”. 
 
 
“London Underground have suggested that they will not impose NT, but seek to come to an agreement with the RMT and other Tus,” the chapter said. “This is obviously more preferable than having NT imposed and it comes with some obvious questions – not least being where's our pay increase?”
 
“We are patiently waiting for LUL to make us a decent offer. But our patience is limited.”
 
“No Night Tube doesn't mean no pay rise – pay up LU,” it added. 
 
London Underground had made the following offer, which was rejected by the unions last month:
  •     A two per cent salary increase this year and inflation protected rises in 2016 and 2017
  •     £500 bonus for all staff on Night Tube lines
  •     £200 extra per Night Tube shift for drivers and then freedom to decide whether or not to work Night Tube shifts at all
  •     £500 bonus for the successful completion of the modernisation of LU stations by February 2016
It also promised that
  •     No-one will work more hours than they do today to run the Night Tube
  •     Every driver on the Night Tube will have the same, if not more, weekends off
  •     After the transition, they will have a choice about whether or not they work Night Tube shifts or not
  •     Everybody will remain entitled to two days off in seven
  •     Annual leave will remain significantly above the national average – 43 days for a train operator, 52 days for station staff

It claimed at the time that conceding to the various demands would cost the network £1.4bn – which would be paid for partly by fare increases. 

The Night Tube was scheduled to launch on 12 September, but the date was missed because of the ongoing disputes between TfL and unions including RMT, TSSA, Aslef and Unite. 
 
It is now thought the 24-hour service could be delayed until as late as March next year.