POLL: Should Tube drivers be allowed to go on strike? | UK | News
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will strike again on Thursday after last-minute talks to resolve the working week dispute failed on Monday. The suspension of services on many routes has caused major disruption for commuters and other commuters trying to get to London. So what do you think? Should subway drivers be allowed to go on strike? Vote in our poll and join the discussion in the comments section.
Metro services were affected early on Tuesday as RMT members set up picket lines outside stations.
Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that no services are expected on the Circle line, the Piccadilly line, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street during the strike action.
Services are expected to be available on all other tube lines on both days, but journeys will be disrupted and service levels will vary across the London Underground network.
There will be limited service before 6.30am on both days and customers are advised to complete their journeys by 9pm.
Normal service is expected on Wednesday and Friday.
The union opposes the new four-day week because of its impact on the length of shifts and other issues.
An RMT spokesman said: “Despite our best efforts in Acas discussions, TfL has failed to reassure our members that it has deep concerns about fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift times and the impact these proposals could have on a safety-critical role such as Tube driving.
“We are ready for meaningful talks, but tomorrow’s strike action will now continue.”
A TfL spokesman said: “It is bitterly disappointing that despite five-hour meetings with the RMT at Acas and repeated assurances that the four-day working week proposals would remain optional, the RMT has chosen to continue disruptive strike action. We will do our best to deliver as many services as possible during this action.”
A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: “No one wants to see strike action having a serious impact on Londoners, businesses and commuters.
“The Mayor continues to call on RMT and TfL to come to the table to resolve this issue so we can avoid further disruption and keep London moving forward.”
