10/06/2009

London Tube Strike Hits Millions Of Commuters

Millions of commuters struggled to get to work this morning as a strike by London Underground (LU) workers caused mayhem.

The 48-hour strike started at 7pm yesterday after talks broke down between LU bosses and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union.

The industrial action has been taken in a dispute over pay, jobs and disciplinary matters - including the sacking of two drivers.

The RMT and Transport for London (TfL) were locked in negotiations for ten hours, however they failed to bring about a resolution.

Large parts of the network were suspended and Tube stations across the capital were shut.

Some lines were offering at least a partial service, however road traffic was busier than normal as commuters were forced to drive to work. The three million who use the underground rail system were also using buses, taxis, riverboat routes or cycling or walking, as alternatives.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, criticised the strike and said the RMT has walked away from an excellent deal.

He said: "Londoners and commuters trying to do their level best to cope with the most challenging economic climate for a long time will be furious at this decision.

"It is quite simply outrageous for the leadership of the RMT to ask their members, the majority of whom did not vote for this strike, to take part in this ludicrous and unnecessary disruption to our city."

However, the RMT leader, Bob Crow, who was on a picket line outside Seven Sisters tube station in north London this morning, said the basis of a deal had been worked out last night but the talks had been "sabotaged" by London Underground (LU) management at the last minute.

He said: "Acas officials went off to get the document typed up and by the time they came back the underground management had reneged on it.

"The whole thing stinks of last minute sabotage and RMT believes that must have come from the very top, and the finger is pointing at Boris Johnson and Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy.

"Johnson needs to stop the political grandstanding and meet direct with RMT to settle the pay, jobs and bullying issues at the heart of this strike."

England's world cup qualifier against Andorra at Wembley stadium is to go ahead this evening despite concerns for the safety of fans travelling to the game.

Turnstiles at Wembley will be open two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, at 5.45pm, with car parks being available in advance of that.

(JM/NS)

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