Emma has been actively campaigning for the reinstatement of the night tube in full after it was suspended due to COVID in March 2020.
Campaign Timeline:
- In late December 2021 the RMT announced the longest strike action in the history of the London Underground with a six month walkout across the Central and Victoria lines in relation to argument over the four night shifts asked of workers each year. The push continues to get the worst-strike rate Mayor in London's history to get a grip of negotiations.
- At December 2021's Mayor's Question Time Emma questioned the Mayor on when an agreed timetable for the reopening of the night tube would be released as he had promised at November's Mayor's Question Time. The Mayor vaguely committed to releasing this information in the new year. Emma also asked for key information that need's to be understood to look at when the night tube can be reopened. How many drivers still need to be trained? How long does the training take and when were COVID restrictions around training lifted? It is also is now apparent that the damaging strike action of the RMT is now not only threatening the running of the night tube but indeed tube travel at all times. Emma asked if the Mayor would look for any further powers (such as a pendulum model) to help in tackling what he describes as unnecessary strikes - the Mayor declined. It has to be time for him to rethink.
- Shortly before Mayor's Question Time in November 2021 it became apparent that the reopening of the night tube would be in jeopardy due to the all unions except the RMT agreeing to conditions that drivers would be asked work a maximum of four night shifts a year and a resulting walkout planned. Emma sort the clarity needed from the Mayor through an oral update that this would mean the night tube reopening on the Central and Victoria lines would still go ahead but with a less regular service.
- In November 2021 the Assembly unanimously backed Emma's motion calling for the Mayor to lay out a timetable for the reopening of the night tube in full.
- In October 2021 the Mayor of London committed to reopening the Central and Victoria lines, however, two lines was simply not enough. Londoners want the night tube back in operation in full. Emma pushed the Mayor to commit to reopening the other lines and laying out clear plans for when he expected to do so.