Due to a protracted disagreement over jobs and pensions, picket lines will be erected in front of all London Underground stations, causing agony for millions of passengers.
Today, London Underground services are very reduced due to a strike on the London Underground.
Members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT) and Unite are embroiled in a protracted battle over jobs and pensions, which has previously resulted in disruptions caused by industrial action.
Passengers are warned to check before traveling on Thursday, as the walkout is expected to cause disruptions till Friday early.
On the Central, Northern, and District lines, a severely curtailed service is in effect, but all other lines are currently without operation.
The Elizabeth line is operating, although it may not be stopping at some Tube stops.
Transport for London (TfL) reported that London Overground and DLR services may also be subject to last-minute modifications on Thursday, with London Trams operating on a shortened schedule and buses anticipated to be significantly more crowded than usual.
As early as 7 a.m., a dozen union members were spotted hoisting an RMT flag in front of King’s Cross St Pancras.
In the vicinity, people were spotted being denied access to overcrowded buses.
The RMT asserts that it offered to stop the strike during negotiations, but that TfL rejected its proposals.
Glynn Barton, the chief operating officer of TfL, stated that no changes to pensions or working conditions have been proposed.
TfL’s recent financial arrangement with the government required it to consider possibilities for pensions, but the organization stated that if any changes were to be made, consultations would precede any decisions.
The RMT asserts that it asked TfL to halt job losses and pension modifications so that both parties could discuss a settlement.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, stated that TfL had a good opportunity to make progress in these negotiations and prevent a strike.
“Our members are determined to see a fair resolution to this conflict, and they will continue their industrial campaign for as long as necessary.”
More than one thousand Unite members will go on strike.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated, “Unite cannot tolerate TfL’s unnecessary attacks on our members’ salary and pensions.” The union fully supports the employees in their battle against these attacks. TfL must cease acting like an employer engaged in a race to the bottom and make an offer acceptable to our members.”
