Credited from: AA
Thousands of London Underground staff, including drivers and maintenance workers, are on a week-long strike initiated by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, citing disputes over pay and working conditions. Disruption is anticipated throughout the week, with little to no service expected from Monday to Thursday, significantly affecting 5 million daily commuters who rely on the Tube, according to Newsweek, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.
The RMT is demanding a reduction of the working week from 35 to 32 hours along with a reconsideration of salaries, with the current proposal from Transport for London (TfL) being a 3.4% pay increase. The strike has already prompted significant disruptions, forcing Londoners to consider alternative travel options such as cycling and walking, as noted by Reuters and TRT Global.
The impacts of the strikes extend beyond daily commutes, as major events have been forced to postpone. Concerts by Coldplay and Post Malone, originally scheduled during the strike, have been rescheduled due to transportation issues, with Live Nation UK highlighting the challenges of providing safe access to venues, according to South China Morning Post and AA.
Commuters have expressed frustration as they face longer journeys and major inconveniences. The reduction in Tube services is felt acutely during rush hours, with reports of overcrowded buses and an uptick in cycling as people adapt to the circumstances. According to the RMT, the management's refusal to negotiate on working hours and conditions has led them to take strike action, emphasizing that the disruption is not their intention but a necessary step to secure better working conditions, as reported by Reuters and TRT Global.