Will there be another Underground strike?

Will there be another strike?

Last time, millions of people faced travel disruption resulting in gridlocked roads, jam-packed buses and London's economy losing £100 million over the 48 hour strike. Despite that, London Underground workers are set to once more to walk out over a pay dispute.

Rejecting an offer of a 1.5 percent pay increase this year followed by an inflation of plus 0.5 percent in April next year, the unions have said that workers are set to vote on whether the strike will occur.

Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) general secretary Bob Crow has said the vote will be solely on the issue of pay, but Transport for London (TfL) slammed the proposed walk out saying their current pay offer was "fair and final".

Crow disagrees.

"RMT representatives have worked long and hard to reach agreement but we have not been able to secure an acceptable offer on pay," he said, speaking to the BBC.

"We are looking for a pay offer that matches up to deals elsewhere in our industry and reflects the real costs of living and working in an expensive city like London. As a result we have reached the point where we have no option but to put the issue back out to our members and to begin the process of balloting for further action across London Underground"

The 48 hour strike that occurred in June caused severe disruptions and chaos to many commuters and Richard Parry, managing director of London Underground, fears that the city will not tolerate another round of strikes.

"Londoners will find another RMT strike threat hard to take, especially when we are offering a two-year above inflation pay offer," he said.

"Many Londoners have seen their pay frozen or have lost their jobs this year. In contrast, we are offering stability and security in one of the toughest economic climates in decades."

Echoing the feelings of many commuters, he added, "Another strike will achieve nothing except lose staff more pay and cause unnecessary frustration and disruption to Londoners."

While a date has not yet been set for the ballot, it is expected to take place over the next few weeks. Despite, the RMT's proposed walkout, it has been reported that members of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association had voted overwhelmingly to accept the same pay offer.

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