Subway services in London set for a five-day work stoppage, marking the city's first strike since March 2023.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has announced a five-day strike on the London Underground, starting this Sunday, causing significant disruption to the city's transport network. The strike is the first since March 2023 and is expected to last until Thursday.
The London Underground, a network consisting of 11 lines, will see limited service until 6:00 PM local time on Sunday and will be practically non-existent between Monday and Thursday. This will lead to overcrowding on trains, buses, and roads, affecting approximately five million daily journeys, according to Transport for London (TfL).
The RMT claims that their members are suffering extreme shifts and fatigue that affect their health, and they are demanding a 32-hour workweek, better wages, and improved working conditions. However, TfL has ruled out reducing the 35-hour contractual week, stating that such a move would jeopardize the entire network's operations.
TfL has offered a 3.4% pay rise to the RMT, but this has not been accepted by the union. An RMT spokesperson argues that a shorter workweek is reasonable, given TfL's surplus and annual operating budget.
The strike has already led to the cancellation of concerts by American rapper Post Malone scheduled for Sunday and Monday at Tottenham Stadium due to the unavailability of public transport for attendees. The city's 9.8 million inhabitants are bracing for significant gridlock during the strike period.
Claire Mann, director of operations at TfL, urges commuters to plan their journeys carefully and consider alternative modes of transport during the strike. She advises checking the TfL website for the latest updates on service disruptions and diversions.
The dispute between the RMT and TfL continues, with both parties showing no signs of backing down. Commuters and residents in London are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential disruptions during the strike period.
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