Traffic chaos predicted as two-day Tube strike begins

Last minute talks between the Rail union and London Transport, at conciliation service, ACAS, have not been successful, meaning that as of 18.59 this evening, a two-day strike over the entire London Underground network has started, causing potential disruption to millions of commuters. The strike is over what the Rail, Maritime and Transport union says is an “unacceptable” five-year pay offer, and London Underground’s “refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies”.

Transport for London has urged people to check their routes before they travel, stagger their journeys and consider alternative forms of transportation such as walking and cycling.

Extra buses, taxi-sharing at major rail stations and free river shuttle services have been laid on to try and avert London coming to a standstill.

Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said:

"We regret the disruption the strike will cause to passengers as the impact on Tube services is likely to be significant. However, the Mayor and TfL have prepared plans to keep London moving and thousands of TfL staff will be on hand across the city to help our passengers.

"A massive effort is being made, including boosting bus and river services, providing escorted commuter cycle rides and more central London cycle parking and distribution of thousands of walking maps at rail and Tube stations.

"We urge everyone travelling in and around London during the strike to check before you travel and to consider the wide range of alternative travel options."

The CBI said that the strike was damaging for business, would cause widespread inconvenience and hurt London's reputation.

Deputy Director General, John Cridland, said:

"It is regrettable that a small minority of people are prepared to inflict this kind of disruption on others at such a difficult time."

London Underground made an improved pay offer on Friday 5 June, of either a four-year or a two-year pay deal. The four-year offer would see a pay increase of 1.5% this year, with RPI +0.5% in future years, while the two-year offer would see a pay increase of 1% this year and RPI +0.5% next year.

The RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.

Transport for London Commissioner, Peter Hendy, has condemned as “outrageous” the RMT leadership's decision to continue to call for strike action, saying:

“We utterly condemn the RMT leadership's outrageous decision to continue to call for strike action, despite us providing assurances that we are doing everything possible to avoid compulsory redundancies and putting forward an improved two-year, above inflation pay offer. 

“However, the RMT's leadership has shown yet again that no matter how fair an offer is made, they would rather strike than talk.”