This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/8011617.stm
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 4 | Version 5 |
---|---|
Strike forces Tube line closure | Strike forces Tube line closure |
(20 minutes later) | |
Tube passengers are facing disruption as one of the busiest lines on the Underground has been completely closed by a drivers' strike. | |
The Victoria Line was suspended from 0600 BST after 180 drivers walked out for 24 hours on Tuesday night. | The Victoria Line was suspended from 0600 BST after 180 drivers walked out for 24 hours on Tuesday night. |
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union claims trains need safety features to stop doors opening on the wrong side. | The Rail, Maritime and Transport union claims trains need safety features to stop doors opening on the wrong side. |
Transport for London (TfL) said the strike was not about safety and said the action was completely unnecessary. | Transport for London (TfL) said the strike was not about safety and said the action was completely unnecessary. |
TfL has advised passengers to check before they travel and to seek alternative travel wherever possible. | TfL has advised passengers to check before they travel and to seek alternative travel wherever possible. |
It said more people are using the northern end of the Piccadilly Line as a result of the Victoria Line's suspension but that it is being managed safely. | It said more people are using the northern end of the Piccadilly Line as a result of the Victoria Line's suspension but that it is being managed safely. |
'Culture of bullying' | 'Culture of bullying' |
South West Trains, South East Trains, Southern, London Buses and London Overground are accepting tickets. | South West Trains, South East Trains, Southern, London Buses and London Overground are accepting tickets. |
The industrial action, which ends at 2100 BST on Wednesday, is being taken by workers from the Seven Sisters depot in north London. | The industrial action, which ends at 2100 BST on Wednesday, is being taken by workers from the Seven Sisters depot in north London. |
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) said the correct door-side enabling equipment was installed on all other Tube lines. | The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) said the correct door-side enabling equipment was installed on all other Tube lines. |
General secretary Bob Crow also accused the management of "a culture of bullying and harassment" of union members on the Victoria Line. | General secretary Bob Crow also accused the management of "a culture of bullying and harassment" of union members on the Victoria Line. |
Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record TfL spokesman | Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record TfL spokesman |
"The rock solid support from our members for [the] strike on the twin issues of safety and bullying should send a clear message to the management that we expect our concerns to be sorted out swiftly," he said. | "The rock solid support from our members for [the] strike on the twin issues of safety and bullying should send a clear message to the management that we expect our concerns to be sorted out swiftly," he said. |
A statement from TfL said: "Correct side door enabling equipment is in place on the new Victoria Line trains which will come into service in the next year. | A statement from TfL said: "Correct side door enabling equipment is in place on the new Victoria Line trains which will come into service in the next year. |
"To retrofit the equipment in the existing trains would be hugely expensive and would take longer than the introduction of the new trains." | "To retrofit the equipment in the existing trains would be hugely expensive and would take longer than the introduction of the new trains." |
He added: "This dispute is not about the safety of passengers or staff. | He added: "This dispute is not about the safety of passengers or staff. |
"Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record." | "Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record." |