Tube worker strike causes commute chaos

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association walked out at 6pm last night in a long-running dispute over jobs and ticket office closures.

They had rejected a last minute offer from Transport for London as well as a plea from Mayor Sadiq Khan to call off the action.

The unions say over 800 jobs have been axed as ticket offices closed, claiming staff are being abused by passengers facing queues at ticket machines.

While there have been talks over the last few days, both unions say London Underground has not put forward acceptable proposals to address staffing and safety issues.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “Whilst they accept the offer of more staff is a step in the right direction to restoring Tube safety standards, they do not believe the offer will return those standards with the urgency that is now needed.

Transport for London (TfL) advised passengers there will be a severely reduced service across the Tube network today.

The organisation added it will try to run as many services as possible but told passengers most Zone 1 stations are likely to be closed throughout the action.

National Rail services will not be affected but there will be no Underground services from key stations such as Victoria, King’s Cross, Waterloo, Paddington, Euston, Bank and London Bridge.

Mr Khan said: “This strike is going to be a huge inconvenience to commuters, tourists and TfL staff, and it is pointless.

“There is a good deal sitting on the table that will ensure station safety and staffing levels across the Tube network. I am willing to carry on negotiations.

“This historic dispute has nothing to do with the millions of Londoners this strike is punishing.”