LUL Tube Operator advice

[Val3ntine]

Hi guys, just wondering if there are any TFL workers that can help me out. I've been offered a position with TFL. My hope is then hopefully anytime after 6 months to be able to apply internally as a tube operator if they recruit. Would anyone (London underground or TFL) be able to shed some light on how often tube operators are recruited and if maybe these full time positions might just go to part time night tube operators whereas then only night tube positions becoming available?
Any info would be great as I am in two minds at the moment, I am i a great job and willing to take the gamble into the wonderful world of TFL even taking a pay cut. But only if it would possibly be wirth it in the end, if not I would stay where I am.

Thank you for any assistance

 

[RJ]

Recruitment for Tube Operators is a bit random in terms of time intervals. There have been a few campaigns internally in the last year, then sometimes a year goes by without there being any.

As far as I know whatever is advertised is what you'll get if successful. There are separate job adverts for full time and part time train operators. Sometimes they're advertised at the same time.

 

[Lrd]

There was just a big recruitment drive (still ongoing but I believe vacancies have closed) and they wanted a lot of drivers so the next drive won't be for at least another year, if not a lot longer.

 

[Val3ntine]

Thank you both of you for the very informative replies. Just good to know the principle of "getting your foot in the door" still applies not too bothered about how long i'd need to wait, just knowing the oppertunity is there is good enough for me.

 

[whoosh]

There is a proposed strike as Night Tube Drivers are not being considered for full time rôles, being passed over for other employees being promoted from other jobs.

Industrial relations at their finest again.


http://www.aslefdistrict8.org/single-post/2017/02/15/Night-Tube-drivers-to-ballot-for-strike

After resolutions from our branches on each of the night tube lines and a packed open meeting of members, ASLEF has now given LUL notice that we will be balloting Night Tube drivers for industrial action.

The vast majority of night tube drivers took up the job because they saw it as a stepping stone to a full-time train drivers job. They believed LU’s assurances that they would have opportunities to progress, not to just spend year after year working every Friday and Saturday night.

But now the company is refusing them that opportunity. New staff are being recruited to full time driver jobs that NT drivers are not being allowed to apply for. This will mean that all full time vacancies will be filled and it could be many years before NT drivers have a chance to go full time.

ASLEF have repeatedly told LU that we believe this to be unfair and potentially unlawful but so far, they simply haven’t been prepared to listen.

Already our branches on each of the night tube lines have supported resolutions calling for a ballot for industrial action. The meeting of NT drivers was unanimous in supporting that position. A report will now go the ASLEF Executive Committee asking that they take the necessary steps to start a ballot of our Night Tube members for industrial action.

We know of course that it won’t be possible for everyone to go full time as quickly as they would like. But there must be a fair system that makes sure existing drivers are not disadvantaged or treated unfairly because they are part time. Unfortunately, it seems that LU will only deal with this problem when NT drivers show they are prepared to take action.

The closing date for the return of ballot papers will be 10:00 on Thursday 16th March.

 

[theking]

Thought it was made pretty clear when those night tubes jobs went out that is was at least 18 months before you would even be considered for another position within LU.

Just another reason to strike.

 

[CC 72100]

I may be dreaming, but wasn't keeping these Night Tube driver separate one of the things that the Unions actually wanted come the introduction of Night Tube and so it was done this way to get it introduced?

If so deeply ironic that this separation is now a source for dispute.

I would say it would be unbelievable, but quite frankly, when you look at some of the current IR issues across both the LU and NR networks, it's not in the slightest.

Please someone correct me if I am incorrect.

 

[chris11256]

It was clear when applying for a night tube driver role, that you'd need to wait 18 months before moving.

 

[Tetchytyke]

I may be dreaming, but wasn't keeping these Night Tube driver separate one of the things that the Unions actually wanted come the introduction of Night Tube and so it was done this way to get it introduced?

If so deeply ironic that this separation is now a source for dispute.

I don't see why it is ironic at all.

The drivers didn't want to have to do Night Tube, but were quite happy for TfL to recruit drivers specifically for Night Tube. But the drivers didn't mind Night Tube operators being able to transfer off Night Tube at a later date, just so long as they didn't merge standard and Night Tube operations.

Other than sheer bloodymindedness, I don't see why TfL shouldn't allow Night Tube operators to go for standard full time roles.

 

[bluegoblin7]

Because they were told that they should do 18 months in the role before they took the role. That limit was insisted on by the unions for a multitude of reasons.

A great many night tube operators - both internal and external recruits - used the opportunity to try and 'play' the system by getting a license and then transferring to full time, rather than waiting for full time roles to become available. The same has happened on stations with staff applying for night tube supervisor.

Needless to say, this hasn't worked, and it's predominantly those staff who are now making a song and dance of the issue. Meanwhile, a large number of patient staff are working their way through the recruitment campaign. There is *very little* internal sympathy for this strike threat, and I'm of the opinion that the public should take the same view.

You can't have your cake, eat it, and then throw your toys out the pram. That's not how it works. Do your 18 months, follow the established movement and transfer processes (on which note, the Central strike is fully supported) and be patient like everyone else. Yes, it could be more than 18 months, but that's life.

 

[CC 72100]

Because they were told that they should do 18 months in the role before they took the role. That limit was insisted on by the unions for a multitude of reasons.

A great many night tube operators - both internal and external recruits - used the opportunity to try and 'play' the system by getting a license and then transferring to full time, rather than waiting for full time roles to become available.

You can't have your cake, eat it, and then throw your toys out the pram. That's not how it works. Do your 18 months, follow the established movement and transfer processes (on which note, the Central strike is fully supported) and be patient like everyone else. Yes, it could be more than 18 months, but that's life.

Someone ought to tell ASLEF that then - the union insists on a limit to appease certain members, but now says that it is unfair for other members that it resprsents. Come on then ASLEF, what is it to be?

That is the irony - that ASLEF are raising a dispute about something that they created to essentially avoid a dispute!

 

[Mojo]

Someone ought to tell ASLEF that then - the union insists on a limit to appease certain members, but now says that it is unfair for other members that it resprsents. Come on then ASLEF, what is it to be?

That is the irony - that ASLEF are raising a dispute about something that they created to essentially avoid a dispute!

The 18 Month limit (as well as limiting the nominations) was solely a way of "paying" for the extra £350 T/Ops get for working Boxing Day, and a way for LUL and Aslef to settle their dispute.