Strike threat after Tube worker sacked ‘for tackling fare dodger who punched pregnant woman in stomach’

A union has warned it will escalate a dispute over the sacking of a worker who tackled an alleged fare dodger at London Bridge station.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union warned of industrial action after the sacking was upheld following an appeal.

The union member was sacked after he confronted a fare dodger at London Bridge station in November.

According to the RMT, the fare dodger assaulted three members of staff, including punching a pregnant woman in the stomach.

Furious union leaders said it was one of the “most appalling miscarriages of justice” and pledged to fight the dismissal “all the way.”

They said it sent a message “to fare dodgers and yobbos that staff can be treated as punchbags.”

It will now ballot for strike action all its staff at London Bridge – one of the busiest stations in London – and is looking to escalate the dispute.

The Evening Standard revealed the sacking last month. The staff member appealed but the dismissal was today upheld by a top-level London Underground (LU) inquiry.

During the incident it was said a pregnant member of staff was punched in the stomach and another had his glasses broken.

Two members of staff also faced disciplinary action.

Tube bosses have repeatedly said they will not tolerate violence against staff and they would prosecute those who took part in attacks.

Phil O’Hare, General Manager for the Jubilee line, said: “Following an appeal process the decision to dismiss this member of staff was upheld. Our investigation into this incident included reviewing extensive CCTV footage. We are satisfied that his conduct on that day was not in line with the standards we expect from our staff.

“We take a zero tolerance approach to violence against our staff but similarly expect our employees to adhere to acceptable standards of conduct and behaviour when dealing with members of the public.”

Tube bosses later strongly denied union claims a pregnant member of staff had been punched during the incident.

A senior source said: “We’ve closely viewed the relevant CCTV footage and it is very clear this member of staff was not assaulted. To say otherwise is complete fabrication.”