London Underground lines suffer delays as commuters hit third day of travel disruptions
A strike by train drivers has disrupted travel for passengers for the third consecutive day.
Services are crumbling as 15 railway companies have gone on strike during a long-running dispute over salaries by Athref members.
The action follows a 48-hour strike by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) that caused widespread chaos across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The latest wave of industrial action comes as reports suggest Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may announce legislation on Thursday to enforce minimum service levels during strikes.
The effects of RMT’s latest strike were still being felt at TfL service on Thursday morning. On the Underground, the strike caused significant delays on the Circle line and the Elizabeth line did not run between Paddington and Heathrow/Reading and between Liverpool Street and Shenfield. Overground services in London were also severely affected.
RMT plans another 48-hour strike starting Friday amid bitter disputes over employment, wages and conditions.
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Anti-strike legislation expected to be introduced
Rishi Sunak is due to announce a law this week that will make it more difficult for unions to go on strike.
The prime minister wants to ensure “minimum service levels” in six areas, including health, railways, education, firefighting and border security.
Union members may lose their jobs if they do not comply.
Severe delays on Elizabeth line
There is a delay on the Elizabeth line
/ PA wireThursday’s Elizabeth line is experiencing severe delays.
Due to the strike, London’s newest lines are operating with reduced service.
TfL’s statement added: London Underground accepts tickets for reasonable routes. ”
“Damage Controversy”
The Department of Transportation is predictably unimpressed by this action.
Wednesday’s statement read:
“Unions should withdraw from this strike action so they can start 2023 by ending this damaging dispute.”
Reduction of overground flights
London Overground said they are running reduced services until 6:30pm.
No service between Romford and Upminster, New Cross and Surry Quay and between Barking and Barking Riverside due to strikes by Network Rail staff.
London Underground accepts tickets for reasonable routes.
Comment from Mark Harper
Transportation Secretary Mark Harper called for a speedy resolution to the strike.
“I want to end these strikes with a fair deal for workers, passengers and taxpayers,” he tweeted.
“It’s time for the unions to get off the picket line and get back to the table.”
“Tokenism”
Mick Whelan says train drivers don’t want to strike (Nick Ansell/PA)
/ PA ArchiveAthref’s Mick Whelan has dismissed an offer of a £2,000 pay raise for drivers as ‘tokenism’.
He told The Guardian: “Inflation this year he was 14%. Wages have not increased in the last two years. They want him to reform the industry by 3%. My members don’t think so.” prize.”
Train strike trading is now just a numbers game
“Don’t get too excited,” writes Ross Lydall. “There has been a rail strike since June last year.
Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express
No Heathrow Express on Thursdays due to industrial action.
“Sorry for the inconvenience,” the operator wrote on Twitter. However, the Piccadilly line has good service and provides trains to the airport.
The Gawock Express does not operate on Thursdays, but operates on a limited basis on Fridays and Saturdays.
Rishi Snack Comment
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Stéphane Rousseau/PA)
/ PA wireThe prime minister commented on the strike entering its third day, but made no mention of the issue on social media.
On Wednesday, he said: “The right to strike must be balanced against the right of British citizens to be able to live their lives without suffering a wholly unwarranted disruption.”
Other strikes in London
Also on January 5th, some bus drivers in London took industrial action. Mainly south and west of the capital.
Meanwhile, driver license examiners at testing centers in London and the South of England will go on strike until 10 January. Until then, all driver licensing exams will be canceled and rescheduled by the DVLA.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/thursday-train-strike-aslef-impact-on-tube-elizabeth-line-overground-circle-line-heathrow-express-gatwick-rishi-sunak-laws-b1050897.html London Underground lines suffer delays as commuters hit third day of travel disruptions
