London Underground strikes WILL go ahead with commuters facing week of misery – find out how you’re affected
LONDON Underground strikes will go ahead after last-ditch talks to halt the industrial action failed.
Commuters in the capital will be hit by travel chaos after the RMT confirmed walkouts will take place starting today.
Strike action starts tonight on January 5 from 6pm to Saturday January 6 at 6pm, confirmed the RMT.
Sunday will then see the beginning of the main week of strikes which threaten to derail many Londoners plans.
Nearly 10,000 RMT members will strike across the Tube, wreaking havoc on commuters who need to get in for work.
The RMT said that they will carry out the industrial action in a protest over pay, grading structures and travel facilities.
Football Fans attending the FA Cup fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday will have to rush to catch the last trains before services shut for the week.
Transport for London (TfL) said there would be little or no service between the evening of Sunday, January 7 and the morning of Friday, January 12.
Workers should expect major disruption next week and leave more time for their journeys.
Londoners will still be able to use the Overground and Elizabeth line – as well as other services such as the DLR and Tram services.
However, last-minute changes could affect these lines including non-stopping at some stations shared with London Underground.
London buses were expected to operate normally but many routes would be extremely busy.
Talks between TfL and RMT were ongoing in a bid to avoid strike action but ultimately failed.
An RMT spokesperson said: “TfL has failed to avert this strike by not offering a deal that was acceptable to our members on London Underground.
“We do not take strike action lightly but we are determined to get a negotiated settlement on pay, travel facilities and a grading structure that means our members will not lose out.”
Glynn Barton, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: ” We are disappointed that RMT is planning strike action in response to our offer of a five per cent pay increase.
“We have been clear throughout our productive discussions with our trade unions that this offer is the most we can afford while ensuring that we can operate safely, reliably and sustainably.”
He added: “We encourage the RMT to engage with us to avoid disruption for Londoners.
“We would like to advise anyone travelling during the strike days to check before they travel.”
The general secretary of the RMT, Mick Lynch said Tube workers bring a lot of money to the London Economy and therefore, should not have to put up with “modest below-inflation offers” – while the managers and commissioners “rake it in”.