Thanks for the infomationFull time drivers is internal only.
You can’t currently transfer licences between national rail and LU, however, there is progress being made on that front what I’m told but it will be internal only.
The present idea that the unions are pushing for and is gaining some traction, is that drivers can nominate overground and TfL Rail as depot transfers just like they can with other underground lines, this would also work the other direction.
Then they would simply be put on the training course without having to apply when their spot comes up.
So you would have to re-do the training, but you wouldn’t have to apply and you should be kept on your current salary rather than the trainee rate until you qualify.
Will do thanksNo different sadly. Feel free to pm me
Full time drivers is internal only.
You can’t currently transfer licences between national rail and LU, however, there is progress being made on that front what I’m told but it will be internal only.
The present idea that the unions are pushing for and is gaining some traction, is that drivers can nominate overground and TfL Rail as depot transfers just like they can with other underground lines, this would also work the other direction.
Then they would simply be put on the training course without having to apply when their spot comes up.
So you would have to re-do the training, but you wouldn’t have to apply and you should be kept on your current salary rather than the trainee rate until you qualify.
Hi all was just wondering if London underground take on already qualified mainline drivers? I know for trainees it's all internal and stuff but didn't know if it was different for qualified. Any infomation would be great. Thanks
ThanksThe answer is no, however it goes without saying that a mainline driver would stand a very good chance of getting through the selection process. The snag is that there’s no external vacancies at the moment.
Hi all was just wondering if London underground take on already qualified mainline drivers? I know for trainees it's all internal and stuff but didn't know if it was different for qualified. Any infomation would be great. Thanks
ThanksYou’d definitely be at an advantage with the selection process, however the most likely route in is either as a CSA or externally via the night tube route. There is a long waiting list, but there is a good turnover at some depots. My depot is relatively small by LUL standards and we’ve had 5 people leave the job since March, mainly retirees.
Thanks
Pm you mateOut of interest who do you drive for at the moment and what makes you want the change?
Where did hear about this? It would be great if they did that, as I’ve heard conflicting information and as you may know the underground is notorious for rumours!
Personally I’d love it to be the case as it is stands myself a Bakerloo line driver isn’t considered qualified to drive for London overground on the Watford DC even though we sign most of the route (Harrow to Kilburn high road.)
You still probably wouldn't sign the dc, as only Watford and Euston drivers plus a very small Willesden link sign it. Watford and the dc link would take years, though Euston has had some movement recently.
If that idea come about the only Overground depot you would get into is New Cross Gate, I doubt the members would allow external employees to be able to jump them in the transfers list.
Also I doubt many train drivers would want to transfer to LUL less wages and mind numbing ato work.
Simple answer to ATO is don’t go to an ATO line, the Bakerloo is not going to see automation before the end of the 2030s. The 72ts on the line have been pegged to begin to be replaced in 2035.
I also think the plans to resign all the picc has been paused as well meaning ATO is a far off reality for two lines.
I think the main benefit of LUL is the 43 days annual leave and being able to retire at 50 and the pension is probably one of the best in the industry.
On the pay side there is negotiations underway, first offer of 57500 was turned down by the unions, I think they are aiming for just under 60k p/a
If that idea come about the only Overground depot you would get into is New Cross Gate, I doubt the members would allow external employees to be able to jump them in the transfers list.
Also I doubt many train drivers would want to transfer to LUL less wages and mind numbing ato work.
You would have to be out of your mind to want to go from a 4 day week mainline driving to a 5 day week LU job tunnel work with no variety, no OT, 3 out of 4 weekends, no priv and being in the pool with shifts and rest days for next week only published a few days before. You'd have no choice of depot so likelihood is ATO or miles from home (or both) and once SSR goes fully ATO they'll be coming for pay and conditions... its common knowledge and was published in the same document that said every ticket office will close.
You wouldnt be able to move across anyway, not directly, but even if you could you'd be sent to the most junior depots or maybe have to do night tube indefinitely. There has always been a trickle of LU drivers going to mainline but I've never heard of anyone daft enough to go the other way.
What document are you referring to? I can see new joiners on different pay/t&c’s in the future but not established operators. What are your thoughts?
The "Operational Strategy Discussion Paper" dated July 2011. This was infamously leaked to the trade unions at the time so most LU staff saw or heard about it. The document outlined how all ticket offices would be closed and the SAMF grade abolished, it also outlined how the Train Operator grade is planned to be restructured once over 50% of the Underground is ATO.
The spectacular failure to deliver both SSR and Deep Tube upgrades in anything close to the time predicted in 2011 has put the planned restructuring of the driver role back, but the general gist of it was that the current train operator grade would be abolished like SAMF was, with a new grade of "Automatic Train Operator" as well as the interesting-sounding "Automatic Train Supervisor". Things like rest day working would be introduced and the current agreements would go out the window.
Obviously there has been 8 years and a change of mayor since then, but it will be very interesting to see what does happen once the SSR network is fully ATO. Presumably the Bakerloo will be the safest place for existing LU drivers. I wouldn't want to be on an ATO line when they eventually decide to swing the axe.