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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)
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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02 June 2004
RMT tube strike to start June 10
Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) members working on the London Underground have today "voted overwhelmingly" to strike action on June 10 - a date which coincides with the European and London mayoral elections. The union said that action had been taken following the employers’ "failure to negotiate seriously on pay and conditions".
RMT tube strike to start June 10
Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) members working on the London Underground have today "voted overwhelmingly" to strike action on June 10 - a date which coincides with the European and London mayoral elections. The union said that action had been taken following the employers’ "failure to negotiate seriously on pay and conditions".
28 April 2014
Tube Strike Set To Commence
A 48-hour tube strike is set to begin later. Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members are due to stage a walk-out from 9pm, and not return to their positions until 8.59pm on Wednesday (30 April). The London Underground workers are protesting over plans to close ticket offices.
Tube Strike Set To Commence
A 48-hour tube strike is set to begin later. Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members are due to stage a walk-out from 9pm, and not return to their positions until 8.59pm on Wednesday (30 April). The London Underground workers are protesting over plans to close ticket offices.
17 December 2003
Underground chaos looms as drivers threaten strike
London Underground drivers on two lines have threatened to take strike action on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, threatening chaos on the Tube system. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) have said that the two proposed 24-hour strikes will affect services on the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines.
Underground chaos looms as drivers threaten strike
London Underground drivers on two lines have threatened to take strike action on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, threatening chaos on the Tube system. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) have said that the two proposed 24-hour strikes will affect services on the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines.
05 September 2007
Commuters Face Further Tube Delays
Commuters in London are still facing travel misery on the Tube, despite the fact that a 72-hour strike by maintenance workers has been called off. The RMT union called off the strike action, which began at 6pm on Monday and involved around 2,300 employees, following talks with London Underground officials.
Commuters Face Further Tube Delays
Commuters in London are still facing travel misery on the Tube, despite the fact that a 72-hour strike by maintenance workers has been called off. The RMT union called off the strike action, which began at 6pm on Monday and involved around 2,300 employees, following talks with London Underground officials.
30 April 2014
52% Of Tube Services Continue Despite Strike
London Underground (LU) is operating 52% of Tube services today despite the strike called by the leadership of the RMT union. LU carried 56% of its usual passenger numbers this morning, which is a record for a strike day. Around 80% of stations are open and services are running on 10 of the 11 lines.
52% Of Tube Services Continue Despite Strike
London Underground (LU) is operating 52% of Tube services today despite the strike called by the leadership of the RMT union. LU carried 56% of its usual passenger numbers this morning, which is a record for a strike day. Around 80% of stations are open and services are running on 10 of the 11 lines.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
