Public transport workers in London went on strike again on Friday over wages and working conditions, cutting services on almost every tube and tube line connecting the British capital.
The latest strike comes amid a summer of industrial action across Britain, with workers in various sectors urging wage increases to match decades of inflation and soaring costs of living.
A spokesman for Transport for London, which is responsible for most of the capital’s network, told AFP there were “almost no Tube connections” and only a few lines operating with “very limited services”.
Members of the transport workers’ union, RMT, which represents the majority of the workforce, called a strike on Friday over job cuts, pension security, pay and changes in work practices.
Passengers outside the closed Blackhorse Road tube station expressed frustration at long detours or expensive taxi rides they had to endure.
“I am not happy at all about this strike. I haven’t given much thought to what they claim. I’m more focused on getting to work now,” said Arlene Morson, a 52-year-old. year-long sales consultant.
“It’s happening almost every week now, something went wrong,” said Greg Skalski, a 43-year-old construction worker, adding that he has little sympathy for train drivers earning above-average salaries.
French finance worker Joachim, 21, is more relaxed: “When I look at France and the number of strikes – the subway here is closed for a day and everyone is talking about it!”
The strike action comes after nationwide rail strikes hit the majority of services on Thursday as union members rejected an eight percent pay rise that is below inflation.
There will be more nationwide rail strikes on Saturday. The RMT has refused to set an end date for the industrial action.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, an opposition Labor politician, told Sky News he does not support strike action but understands why transport workers are “frustrated and concerned” and said the government “should not penalize hard-working transport workers”. .
The government has taken a hard line on strikes and has vowed not to take part in talks.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that ministers want to push through modernization that union RMT opposes, including Sunday work.
He complained that unions were blocking a salary offer from Network Rail, the rail network operator, that would increase salaries by 8 percent over two years without consulting members.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer tweeted: “Shapps could solve these strikes by sitting down at the table and doing his job.”
#Strikes #bring #Londons #transport #system #standstill
