London disrupted as Underground employees strike

London faces travel disruptions

The tube, London's underground infrastructure network essential to commuters, has been closed due to strikes, causing widespread disruption as travellers seek alternative means of locomotion.

The total number of striking underground employees should stretch to 10,000. The first walkout was initiated on Sunday night, with 200 contractors walking out after a row over pay and conditions.

The Unions said there would be major disruptions, as the support amongst its members was "rock solid ".

Despite fears of total paralysis, 40 percent of trains are running as of midday Tuesday, although the Circle Line is completely suspended.

The Northern Line is fully operational, however many stations on the line are closed.
A full service began operating on the Waterloo and City Line during the latter part of the morning rush hour.

The BBC has confirmed that The Bakerloo, Victoria, District, Central, Piccadilly, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines are partly suspended.

"The message to the mayor and his transport officials is clear - stop playing fast and loose with safety, stop the drive towards unstaffed stations, drop the threat of these lethal cuts and start meaningful talks on a safe and secure future for the London Tube system, " said Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) from King's Cross station.

Solutions to the disruption

Mike Brown, of LU, said: "We are doing everything possible to keep as many Tube services operating today, and to keep Londoners moving.
"Londoners will face some disruption, but the city is not paralysed and people will still be able to get around."

In response, extra buses and 10,000 more passenger journeys on Thames riverboat services were laid on, at a half price cost of £1.50, with additional shuttle services to London Eye, London Bridge, Canary Wharf and Greenland Pier.

In an act of defiance, London Mayor Boris Johnson cycled to the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in order to speak at the opening session of the Capital Markets Climate Initiative.

Mr Johnson later said that new staffing proposals for the Underground were "moderate and sensible" and accused the unions of "cynically deciding to try the patience" of commuters.

"The extra measures we have put in call for a team effort and people will need to consider buses, boats or bikes as an alternative to their usual journeys.
"But this planned action will cause disruption for millions of Londoners and I call on the unions to get round the table and show common sense," Johnson said.

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