Strikes could be on the way for London Tramlink with drivers reportedly considering the action because of the proposed introduction of new devices into the cabs which are hoped to detect if a driver has fallen asleep. Members of the Aslef union are to be balloted with anger being expressed as drivers have not been consulted on the new devices.
The idea to install the devices has come about as part of the ongoing investigations into the fatal derailment at Sandilands in November 2016. The proposed equipment would see a camera focussed on driver’s faces but according to Aslef there is no evidence this would have any effect.
Finn Brennan, Aslef officer for Tramlink, is quoted in the Croydon Advertiser: “The decision to choose this system and start to install it without any discussion with staff or trade unions showed complete disregard for the views of their drivers. Aslef want to see the introduction of new technology that can prevent accidents, but there is no evidence that the system Tramlink are putting in would have done anything to prevent the terrible tragedy at Sandilands.”
Transport for London are encouraging the union to continue discussions with Tram Operations Limited. It is hoped that this does happen as nobody is a winner when strikes are called.