London August 18 : Rail, Tube and bus passengers will be suffering fresh misery on the road in London beginning on Thursday as thousands of thousands of workers go on strike in long-running disputes over wages and working conditions. Network Rail, train companies, London Underground and buses in the UK capital will be affected with walkouts in the coming days, creating chaos for tourists, workers and those attending events, according to the dpa news agency.
The members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) and Unite will be taking part in the strike after talks that have been ongoing did not break the deadlock in the rows.
The strike may affect services through the weekend.
This Thursday, RMT members at Network Rail (NR) and 14 train operators, TSSA members at seven companies as well as Unite members of NR will go on strike.
This will have a knock-on effect for the rail service on Friday morning.
On Friday on Friday, members of the RMT and Unite on London Underground will walk out and Unite members of London United bus routes in the capital in an unrelated dispute regarding pay.
On the weekend, RMT members at Network Rail and 14 train operators, TSSA members at seven companies as well as Unite members of NR will strike once more together with London United bus drivers.
Sunday morning train services will be affected due to the knock-on effects of Saturday’s actions.
Rail services on Saturday and Thursday will be significantly reduced, with only about five percent of trains operating and about half of lines being shut.
Trains will not operate from 7.30 a.m.until 6.30 p.m.during both days of strike.
Picket lines will be erected in front of railway stations throughout the country.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said his union’s members are more determined than ever before to protect their pensions, ensure an adequate pay increase as well as secure working conditions.
“RMT will not stop negotiating in good faith, however we will not tolerate being bullied or tricked to accept a deal that is not fair on behalf of our members.
“The Government must stop their involvement in these disputes, so that employers can reach an agreement with us,” he added.
TSSA members who are taking actions include employees who work in ticket offices stations, control rooms, stations engineering, as well for timetabling, planning, and other supporting roles.
The union wants assurances of no redundancies based on compulsory requirements and a pay increase in accordance with the costs of living, as well as the promise of no unilateral changes to terms and conditions for employment.
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