London Underground services experienced significant disruption due to a strike involving Tube workers, led by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union. The strike is primarily driven by disputes over pay and working conditions, with claims from the union that negotiations became ineffective after they reported plans from Transport for London (TfL) regarding the closure of Elizabeth line ticket offices, which TfL has denied.
On the day of the strike, nearly all Tube services were suspended, except for a reduced timetable on the Northern line. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also ceased operations due to support for the RMT’s actions. TfL stated that they had presented a “fair” pay offer of 3.4% and argued that the union’s demand for a shorter working week was financially unfeasible. TfL’s chief operating officer expressed disappointment over the continuation of the strike, labeling the union’s demands as both “unaffordable and impractical.”
In response to the disruptions, commuters turned to alternative forms of transportation, including buses, boats, bikes, and walking routes. Reports indicate that many travelers encountered difficulties in reaching their destinations. Utilization statistics revealed a 23% decrease in Oyster and contactless payments compared to the same day the previous year, attributed to the strike’s impact on the Underground and DLR. Conversely, bus usage rose by 9%, London Overground journeys increased by 15%, and the Elizabeth line experienced a 33% surge in ridership. Additionally, the demand for cycle hire increased significantly, showing a 73% rise compared to the same period the previous week.
Calls for negotiation have emerged from various stakeholders, including London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Downing Street. Both parties have urged the RMT and TfL to engage in discussions to resolve the ongoing disputes.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgr9x145eyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss