Industrial relations on the London Underground have “totally collapsed,” a union leader has asserted, amid a strike by Tube workers that has brought the network to a virtual standstill.
Commuters in London are facing continued disruptions as thousands of union members engage in strike action over disputes concerning pay and working hours.
Eddie Dempsey, a leader within the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, stated that negotiations had become unproductive after the union reportedly discovered Transport for London (TfL) plans to close ticket offices on the Elizabeth line—an assertion that TfL denies.
Mr. Dempsey indicated that further disputes are anticipated regarding these alleged proposals, as well as the pay and conditions of cleaning staff.
With the exception of the Northern line, which is operating on a reduced timetable, all Tube services were suspended on Tuesday.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has also ceased operations due to a strike by RMT union members, related to a separate dispute.
TfL has characterized its pay offer of 3.4% as “fair,” while deeming the union’s demand for a shorter 32-hour work week as “unaffordable.”
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, expressed her “bitter disappointment” that the strike proceeded, describing the union’s demands as “unaffordable and impractical.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that he has urged the RMT to engage in renewed discussions with TfL to resolve the ongoing dispute.
Downing Street has also issued a call for the RMT union and TfL to return to the negotiating table in an effort to bring an end to the strike.
Individuals attempting to navigate the capital have resorted to buses, boats, bicycles, cars, and walking, with many encountering difficulties in reaching their destinations.
One woman, speaking to the BBC outside Poplar DLR station in east London, stated: “I have a child who was affected. I couldn’t get her to school on time.
“I had to work. I got on three buses, but I still couldn’t make it to work on time.”
Another commuter at the station noted that his typical eight-minute commute on the DLR was replaced by a 50-minute walk.
“The weather is good, so no complaints,” he added.
BBC newsgathering journalists reported on Tuesday morning that the Elizabeth line, Overground, rail, and walking routes were noticeably less congested compared to Monday.
TfL figures illustrated the impact of the strike across its network.
As of 15:00 BST on Tuesday, Oyster and contactless usage across the network was down 23% compared to the same day last year, reflecting the near-total shutdown of the Underground and DLR.
Bus boardings increased by 9%, London Overground journeys rose by 15%, and Elizabeth line usage saw a jump of one-third.
Cycle hire demand also experienced a surge, with 22,805 hires recorded by 15:00 – a 73% increase compared to the same point last week.
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