ONE Mersey tunnel is expected to be open during the next public sector pensions strike.
Yesterday unions confirmed Thursday, April 27, as the next date for a national walkout in the row over pension rights for public sector workers.
Both tunnels were closed in last Tuesday's strike, causing chaos for 80,000 drivers. Next time, it is understood arrangements are being made to keep one tube operating.
Merseytravel would reveal nothing at this stage, but is anxious to avoid a repeat of last week's double closure.
It has emerged that the tunnels only shut last Tuesday because a deal to keep them open collapsed at the 11th hour.
Merseytravel chief Neil Scales said: "Until the Thursday before the strike, agree-ment had been reached with the union to ensure cover in the control room, allowing Kingsway to remain open." But he said the deal fell through and the company was left with no choice but to close both tunnels on health and safety grounds.
Shop stewards met yesterday to agree action. Bob Gregson, of the GMB union, said: " Although it ' s unfortunate we've caused all the chaos, it's entirely necessary for us to demonstrate in this matter.
"It's not our decision to shut the tunnels, it's the management's."
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