London
Underground is offering a £250 bonus to train drivers in an effort to combat
absenteeism.
The attendance bonuses will be awarded to those who do not miss work during
a three-month period starting from 1 June. Staff attendance at stations was 92
per cent generally between 2000 and 2001 – the lowest figure ever.
A spokesperson for London Underground said, "There were 366 train
cancellations, mostly through absenteeism, in the past year. That’s why we are
doing this – to have a more reliable service."
An RMT union representative said, "This is clearly a bribe to try to
persuade drivers to undermine the strike action. It is divisive to offer cash
incentives to one section of staff. It also undermines safety as offering train
drivers incentives to attend may force them to work when unfit for duty."
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The scheme starts on the eve of further tube strikes planned for 4 and 6
June over potential redundancies under the PPP scheme.
