LONDON – Public transport workers in London held fresh strikes today over pay and conditions, cutting services on almost all underground and overground rail lines that link up the UK capital.
The latest walkout comes during a summer of industrial action across Britain, with workers in various sectors pushing for pay rises in line with decades-high inflation and the soaring cost of living.
A spokesperson for Transport for London, responsible for most of the capital’s network said there were “almost no tube (Underground) services” with only a couple of lines functioning with “very reduced services”.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which represents a majority of the workforce, called today’s strike over job cuts, pension security, pay and changes to working practices.
Passengers outside the closed Blackhorse Road underground station expressed frustration at the long detours or costly taxi rides they would have to take.
“I’m not happy at all about this strike. I didn’t think much about what they were claiming. I’m more focused on how I’m going to get to work now,” said Arlene Morson, a 52-year-old sales consultant.
“It’s happening almost every week now, something has gone wrong,” said Greg Skalski, a 43-year-old construction worker, adding he had little sympathy given that train drivers earn higher than average salaries.
French finance worker Joachim, 21, was more relaxed, saying: “When I look at France and the number of strikes – here the metro closes for one day and everyone talks about it!”
The strike action comes after nationwide rail strikes yesterday hit the majority of services, as union members have rejected an 8% pay rise offer that is below inflation.
There will be further nationwide rail strikes tomorrow. The RMT has refused to put an end date on the industrial action.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, an opposition Labour politician, told Sky News he did not back strike action but understood why transport workers are “frustrated and worried”, saying the government “shouldn’t be punishing hardworking transport workers.”
The government has taken a tough line on strikes, vowing not to participate in talks.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps told Sky News that ministers want to push through modernisation that the RMT union opposes, including on Sunday working.
He complained that unions were blocking a pay offer from Network Rail, which manages the rail network, that would increase salaries by 8% over two years without consulting members.
Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted that “Shapps could resolve these strikes by getting round the table and doing his job.” – AFP, August 19, 2022
