05.02.14
Tube strikes lead to Central line closures
Just 35% of normal Tube services are running today, with members of the unions RMT and TSSA on strike.
TfL confirmed that about 70% of stations would remain open, but there were planned closures on the Waterloo & City and Circle lines. It criticised the “completely unnecessary” strikes.
Rail staff are protesting planned ticket office closures, as well as the loss of around 750 jobs.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “No one wants the disruption of strike action but this polling shows that the public understand that when a union is pushed into a corner with a gun at its head it is justified in taking the action RMT and TSSA are forced to take tonight to defend jobs, safety and services.”
A survey commissioned by the union showed that 65% of tube users felt that ‘lawful industrial action as a last resort was justified’ and 66% were concerned about the planned closures.
LU managing director Mike Brown said: “Many thousands of LU and TfL staff are working hard to keep customers informed and ensure we keep London moving and open for business today. My message to the leadership of the RMT and TSSA is that they should do the right thing, call off this completely unnecessary strike and work with us to help shape the future of the Tube.
“All Tube stations will remain staffed and controlled at all times when services are operating, and we’ll be introducing a 24-hour service at weekends during 2015. In future, there will be more staff in ticket halls and on platforms to help customers buy the right ticket, plan their journeys and to keep them safe and secure.
“We’re committed to implement these changes without compulsory redundancies and there’ll be a job for everyone at LU who wants to work for us and be flexible.”
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