The walkout follows failed negotiations over pay and a reduced working week.
A series of strikes announced by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have begun, effectively paralyzing the London Underground network from September 7 to 12, reports 24brussels.
Workers initiated the shutdown early on Sunday night, with services remaining closed for four days from Monday onward. This disruption translates to minimal subway service until Friday, significantly affecting daily commuters.
The strike action arises from unsuccessful negotiations between the RMT and Transport for London (TfL), the city’s transport authority, regarding pay and a shortened working week. The RMT criticized “management’s dismissive approach,” which has exacerbated staff anger and distrust, leading to an overwhelming vote in favor of a strike.
In a pre-strike statement, Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, called for the RMT to suspend the strike, encouraging the union to present their members with TfL’s “fair and affordable offer” and to resume discussions.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his ongoing appeal to both the RMT and TfL to engage in negotiations to resolve the dispute.
