Londoners faced travel misery on Tuesday as the first of two 24-hour strikes by Tube drivers caused huge disruption across the capital, compounded by heavy rain. Members of the RMT union walked out, leaving no trains on some lines and severe delays or part suspensions on others, ahead of further strike action planned for Thursday.
Transport for London (TfL) apologised to customers but noted that 60% of drivers reported for work, higher than in previous strikes. Around half of London Underground services ran during the morning peak, while TfL data showed 86% of Oyster and contactless card taps compared to the same day last year. Most lines ran with severe delays, while the Circle and Waterloo & City lines were suspended entirely, and the Bakerloo, Central, and Piccadilly lines were part suspended.
The RMT launched the strike after last-ditch talks with London Underground bosses failed to resolve a dispute over the working week. The union sought assurances on longer working hours and driver safety. Fresh talks are expected next week.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan urged both sides to “get round the table” before Thursday’s planned walkout, saying the strikes had a “serious impact on Londoners, businesses and commuters.” He added: “The workers on strike lose a day's salary, TfL loses revenues, businesses are losing their customers, people have hospital appointments they can't get to. This is a massive inconvenience.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “We are sorry that today has been difficult for customers and for London’s business, but are pleased that we have been able to offer service on almost every Tube line today despite the strike action taken by the RMT, including the Jubilee Line operating a normal service.” They urged the RMT to work with them to resolve questions on the proposed four-day week.
The travel chaos was exacerbated by heavy rain flooding railway lines between Fulwell and Shepperton and at Belmont station, and a fallen tree blocking King’s Road in Chelsea. According to Virgin Media O2 data, footfall was down 16% compared to a normal Tuesday morning in parts of London. The second 24-hour walkout is planned from 12.01am on Thursday June 4.
