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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2015/jul/09/tube-strike-london-underground-live-updates
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Tube strike – as it happened | Tube strike – as it happened |
| (6 days later) | |
| 8.49pm BST | 8.49pm BST |
| 20:49 | 20:49 |
| Final summary | Final summary |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.54pm BST | at 8.54pm BST |
| 8.03pm BST | 8.03pm BST |
| 20:03 | 20:03 |
| Commuters are still facing long waits at bus stops and overground stations, with many choosing to walk miles home. Here are some images from across London’s congested streets: | Commuters are still facing long waits at bus stops and overground stations, with many choosing to walk miles home. Here are some images from across London’s congested streets: |
| I think we need more buses #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/oYN4HKdgcn | I think we need more buses #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/oYN4HKdgcn |
| @BBClondonnews pretty quiet at Shadwell overground! pic.twitter.com/HWud1qOeGZ | @BBClondonnews pretty quiet at Shadwell overground! pic.twitter.com/HWud1qOeGZ |
| Good luck getting home folks. I think I'll walk thanks #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/bE9DHMIjSa | Good luck getting home folks. I think I'll walk thanks #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/bE9DHMIjSa |
| Biggest #TubeStrike in 13 years kills London traffic. Good workout for everyone today pic.twitter.com/YI60hBYKmg | Biggest #TubeStrike in 13 years kills London traffic. Good workout for everyone today pic.twitter.com/YI60hBYKmg |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.17pm BST | at 8.17pm BST |
| 7.50pm BST | 7.50pm BST |
| 19:50 | 19:50 |
| As Londoners continue their journeys home on foot, bus and overground, the city’s tube carriages have been left dormant. Here’s some aerial footage of tube carriages parked in sidings | As Londoners continue their journeys home on foot, bus and overground, the city’s tube carriages have been left dormant. Here’s some aerial footage of tube carriages parked in sidings |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.51pm BST | at 7.51pm BST |
| 6.54pm BST | 6.54pm BST |
| 18:54 | 18:54 |
| Looks like some of London’s (lonely) commuters are using the tube strike to try out alternative means of transport. | Looks like some of London’s (lonely) commuters are using the tube strike to try out alternative means of transport. |
| Just spotted a man riding a tandem alone in Holloway :( #tubestrike | Just spotted a man riding a tandem alone in Holloway :( #tubestrike |
| Many of those sticking to the overground and buses are still facing long queues (here’s a view from Euston station). Not everyone is feeling sympathetic: | Many of those sticking to the overground and buses are still facing long queues (here’s a view from Euston station). Not everyone is feeling sympathetic: |
| How to deal with the #tubestrikes! pic.twitter.com/V6NKGFx4gJ | How to deal with the #tubestrikes! pic.twitter.com/V6NKGFx4gJ |
| 6.34pm BST | 6.34pm BST |
| 18:34 | 18:34 |
| Hi Rebecca Ratcliffe here. I’ll be bringing you tube strike updates for the next few hours. Here’s a screengrab from the BBC’s travel incidents page, showing congestion on many of London’s roads. If you’re stuck in traffic or still battling to get home, feel free to leave comments below the line. | Hi Rebecca Ratcliffe here. I’ll be bringing you tube strike updates for the next few hours. Here’s a screengrab from the BBC’s travel incidents page, showing congestion on many of London’s roads. If you’re stuck in traffic or still battling to get home, feel free to leave comments below the line. |
| 6.19pm BST | 6.19pm BST |
| 18:19 | 18:19 |
| 6pm – tube strike summary | 6pm – tube strike summary |
| Aisha Gani | Aisha Gani |
| It’s past 18:00, so here’s a quick summary of how today has been: | It’s past 18:00, so here’s a quick summary of how today has been: |
| Atleast the underground has a good service on "all other lines" #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/5o9Qj7x0h4 | Atleast the underground has a good service on "all other lines" #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/5o9Qj7x0h4 |
| Related: Five key apps to help you get around London during the tube strike | Related: Five key apps to help you get around London during the tube strike |
| Well that’s it from me, Aisha Gani, as I make my own journey through chaos, and I’m now handing over to my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe. | Well that’s it from me, Aisha Gani, as I make my own journey through chaos, and I’m now handing over to my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.20pm BST | at 6.20pm BST |
| 6.00pm BST | 6.00pm BST |
| 18:00 | 18:00 |
| My colleague Jessica Elgot has just let me know that people are complaining that TfL buses are terminating before their destinations – crammed full of people who are then turfed out. | My colleague Jessica Elgot has just let me know that people are complaining that TfL buses are terminating before their destinations – crammed full of people who are then turfed out. |
| It's not fault of strike, but if @TfL could not keep changing the destination of buses people have queued for ages for, that'd be grand, ta | It's not fault of strike, but if @TfL could not keep changing the destination of buses people have queued for ages for, that'd be grand, ta |
| Consequently passengers can’t then get on other buses because they are too full. | Consequently passengers can’t then get on other buses because they are too full. |
| 3 full buses terminate at same stop depositing 100s of people. One bus supposedly going on waiting for change of driver who hasn't turned up | 3 full buses terminate at same stop depositing 100s of people. One bus supposedly going on waiting for change of driver who hasn't turned up |
| Maybe one day the 252 @TfL bus service will go all the way and not terminate early. #halfajob #happenstoooften | Maybe one day the 252 @TfL bus service will go all the way and not terminate early. #halfajob #happenstoooften |
| We hear you Tim: | We hear you Tim: |
| Arriving at a bus stop #tubestrikes #tflstrike @TfL pic.twitter.com/XTFR9WWDoW | Arriving at a bus stop #tubestrikes #tflstrike @TfL pic.twitter.com/XTFR9WWDoW |
| 5.52pm BST | 5.52pm BST |
| 17:52 | 17:52 |
| Home time is now upon us, and resourceful Londoners share how they are taking the strike in their stride: | Home time is now upon us, and resourceful Londoners share how they are taking the strike in their stride: |
| Commute home mapped out. Walking shoes on. Should be able to take in a few sites along the way. #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/j75NFYgzmc | Commute home mapped out. Walking shoes on. Should be able to take in a few sites along the way. #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/j75NFYgzmc |
| Glorious day for a five-mile walk home (via various watering holes) #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/ekbKADYzBT | Glorious day for a five-mile walk home (via various watering holes) #tubestrike pic.twitter.com/ekbKADYzBT |
| Charlie McDonnell, a vlogger, shared this: | Charlie McDonnell, a vlogger, shared this: |
| 5.34pm BST | 5.34pm BST |
| 17:34 | 17:34 |
| Today’s tube strike, in which more than 20,000 workers walked off their jobs, was the largest in 13 years, but by no means the first time Londoners had to leg it to work. | Today’s tube strike, in which more than 20,000 workers walked off their jobs, was the largest in 13 years, but by no means the first time Londoners had to leg it to work. |
| We’ve just published this thoroughly quaint newsreel of London tube strikes through history. | We’ve just published this thoroughly quaint newsreel of London tube strikes through history. |
| Have a watch as you wait in queue: | Have a watch as you wait in queue: |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.42pm BST | at 5.42pm BST |
| 5.27pm BST | 5.27pm BST |
| 17:27 | 17:27 |
| It’s been a day of picket lines, locked gates a sea of commuters walking overground. | It’s been a day of picket lines, locked gates a sea of commuters walking overground. |
| Here are some photo highlights: | Here are some photo highlights: |
| 5.14pm BST | 5.14pm BST |
| 17:14 | 17:14 |
| Aisha Gani | Aisha Gani |
| Hello and good evening happy commuters. I’m Aisha Gani and I’ll be liveblogging tube strike updates for the next few hours. You can tweet me at @aishagani, and feel free to leave comments below the line. | Hello and good evening happy commuters. I’m Aisha Gani and I’ll be liveblogging tube strike updates for the next few hours. You can tweet me at @aishagani, and feel free to leave comments below the line. |
| For the time being, it seems as though cycles for hire have doubled in some areas: | For the time being, it seems as though cycles for hire have doubled in some areas: |
| Boris Bike usage doubles as #Londoners work around #tubestrikes Read more @cyclingweekly at http://t.co/apQZW3tc8p pic.twitter.com/MFxs38mwwu | Boris Bike usage doubles as #Londoners work around #tubestrikes Read more @cyclingweekly at http://t.co/apQZW3tc8p pic.twitter.com/MFxs38mwwu |
| 3.21pm BST | 3.21pm BST |
| 15:21 | 15:21 |
| Despite the inconvenience, here is a voice in support of the strikers. | Despite the inconvenience, here is a voice in support of the strikers. |
| #tubestrike is about ensuring safety of passengers on the lifeline of #london during the day & soon at night - it'd be foolish to attack it | #tubestrike is about ensuring safety of passengers on the lifeline of #london during the day & soon at night - it'd be foolish to attack it |
| 3.16pm BST | 3.16pm BST |
| 15:16 | 15:16 |
| This is what’s called chutzpah. | This is what’s called chutzpah. |
| All you #nurses struggling in the #tubestrike - how about working just outside #London for more £££ & FREE PARKING! http://t.co/HAH8zuyoIJ | All you #nurses struggling in the #tubestrike - how about working just outside #London for more £££ & FREE PARKING! http://t.co/HAH8zuyoIJ |
| 3.03pm BST | 3.03pm BST |
| 15:03 | 15:03 |
| Acas contacted by London Underground | Acas contacted by London Underground |
| London Underground has contacted the conciliation service to help arrange fresh talks over the Tube dispute, PA reports. | London Underground has contacted the conciliation service to help arrange fresh talks over the Tube dispute, PA reports. |
| Acas was asked to assist to get the two sides back around the negotiating table to avoid a repeat of the 24-hour strike which ends this evening. | Acas was asked to assist to get the two sides back around the negotiating table to avoid a repeat of the 24-hour strike which ends this evening. |
| Tube stations were closed and other forms of transport were packed, even though Transport for London put on 200 extra buses. | Tube stations were closed and other forms of transport were packed, even though Transport for London put on 200 extra buses. |
| Steve Griffiths, London Underground chief operating officer, said: “We thank Londoners for their patience today as we work hard to help them make their journeys. | Steve Griffiths, London Underground chief operating officer, said: “We thank Londoners for their patience today as we work hard to help them make their journeys. |
| “We are, as we always have been, ready to talk at any time to sort out this dispute. | “We are, as we always have been, ready to talk at any time to sort out this dispute. |
| “We have made a very fair and reasonable offer to our staff, but the unions have so far refused to respond or put it to their members. | “We have made a very fair and reasonable offer to our staff, but the unions have so far refused to respond or put it to their members. |
| “The offer remains on the table and we are ready for talks. We have today contacted Acas and asked them to assist us in getting back around the table. | “The offer remains on the table and we are ready for talks. We have today contacted Acas and asked them to assist us in getting back around the table. |
| “If the unions are serious about resolving this, we trust they will be ready to engage in meaningful talks to deliver night Tube for London. | “If the unions are serious about resolving this, we trust they will be ready to engage in meaningful talks to deliver night Tube for London. |
| “We have put forward a very, very fair offer, which consists of an average salary increase of 2%, 1% or RPI (whichever is greater) for next year and the one after, plus a 500 night Tube launch bonus and an additional 2,000 bonus for night Tube train drivers. | “We have put forward a very, very fair offer, which consists of an average salary increase of 2%, 1% or RPI (whichever is greater) for next year and the one after, plus a 500 night Tube launch bonus and an additional 2,000 bonus for night Tube train drivers. |
| “No-one will have to work more hours than they do now, and we have a longer term plan, which will mean no-one will need to work nights if they don’t want to.” | “No-one will have to work more hours than they do now, and we have a longer term plan, which will mean no-one will need to work nights if they don’t want to.” |
| RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ““We’ve wasted three months in negotiations that failed to address staff concerns and it’s essential for London that there’s no repeat and that puts the ball firmly in LU’s court.” | RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ““We’ve wasted three months in negotiations that failed to address staff concerns and it’s essential for London that there’s no repeat and that puts the ball firmly in LU’s court.” |
| TSSA leader Manuel Cortes called for peace talks to start at Acas tomorrow. | TSSA leader Manuel Cortes called for peace talks to start at Acas tomorrow. |
| He said: “No-one wants to see London at a standstill, least of all our members, so it is high time for LU to come back to the negotiating table. | He said: “No-one wants to see London at a standstill, least of all our members, so it is high time for LU to come back to the negotiating table. |
| “They should stop playing games and start talking to us in good faith to get a sensible solution to this dispute. “We are ready and willing to be at Acas tomorrow morning to sort this out. | “They should stop playing games and start talking to us in good faith to get a sensible solution to this dispute. “We are ready and willing to be at Acas tomorrow morning to sort this out. |
| “It is time to end the blame game and agree a solution which keeps London moving and secures the start of the night Tube in September.” | “It is time to end the blame game and agree a solution which keeps London moving and secures the start of the night Tube in September.” |
| 2.50pm BST | 2.50pm BST |
| 14:50 | 14:50 |
| Carmen Fishwick | Carmen Fishwick |
| TFL said users of Boris bikes – now Santander bikes – won’t be charged for leaving undocked bicycles at ‘hubs’ across the captial, writes Carmen Fishwick. | TFL said users of Boris bikes – now Santander bikes – won’t be charged for leaving undocked bicycles at ‘hubs’ across the captial, writes Carmen Fishwick. |
| Bicycle hire was at twice the normal level this morning as Londoners looked for ways around the all-tube strike. | Bicycle hire was at twice the normal level this morning as Londoners looked for ways around the all-tube strike. |
| Many users reported problems finding space at docking stations this morning forcing them to leave the bikes unattended. This would normally result in an extra charge and potentially a lost deposit, but TFL said they would waive the charges today if left at one of their hubs. | Many users reported problems finding space at docking stations this morning forcing them to leave the bikes unattended. This would normally result in an extra charge and potentially a lost deposit, but TFL said they would waive the charges today if left at one of their hubs. |
| A spokesman said: “people shouldn’t be leaving bikes unattended at docking stations, as the bike will still be under hire. But on days like today, we have staff at the hubs who will virtually dock bikes back in.” | A spokesman said: “people shouldn’t be leaving bikes unattended at docking stations, as the bike will still be under hire. But on days like today, we have staff at the hubs who will virtually dock bikes back in.” |
| An extra 100 bikes will be available at hubs in the city centre where people can leave bikes if they can’t find an available docking station. Virtual docking will ramp up again between 4pm and 8pm this evening. | An extra 100 bikes will be available at hubs in the city centre where people can leave bikes if they can’t find an available docking station. Virtual docking will ramp up again between 4pm and 8pm this evening. |
| Extra bikes, with virtual docking stations will be available at Butler Place in Victoria, Soho Square, Houghton Street, Finsbury Square in Liverpool Street, Waterloo place in St James, Stonecutter Street in Waterloo, and Belgrove Street. | Extra bikes, with virtual docking stations will be available at Butler Place in Victoria, Soho Square, Houghton Street, Finsbury Square in Liverpool Street, Waterloo place in St James, Stonecutter Street in Waterloo, and Belgrove Street. |
| Bit of a problem with the Boris bikes in soho today. Nice work Santander pic.twitter.com/4yfYZ4s3XM | Bit of a problem with the Boris bikes in soho today. Nice work Santander pic.twitter.com/4yfYZ4s3XM |
| "@ChrisGrose2: The flaw with Boris bikes on a tube strike day. pic.twitter.com/uCgeMky36O" don't get that with a #brompton @BromptonBicycle | "@ChrisGrose2: The flaw with Boris bikes on a tube strike day. pic.twitter.com/uCgeMky36O" don't get that with a #brompton @BromptonBicycle |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.46pm BST | at 3.46pm BST |
| 2.36pm BST | 2.36pm BST |
| 14:36 | 14:36 |
| TFL puts it mildly ... | TFL puts it mildly ... |
| Buses around Central London are experiencing serious delays due to heavy traffic | Buses around Central London are experiencing serious delays due to heavy traffic |
| 2.30pm BST | 2.30pm BST |
| 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Robert Booth has more on Uber tripling fares during the strike. | Robert Booth has more on Uber tripling fares during the strike. |
| Uber users were confronted on Thursday morning with warnings that the company was tripling fares because “demand is off the charts”. | Uber users were confronted on Thursday morning with warnings that the company was tripling fares because “demand is off the charts”. |
| It warned of “surge pricing”, with fares 2.9 times higher than normal and with a minimum fare of £14.50. Even sitting in standing traffic would cost 43p per minute instead of the normal 15p. | It warned of “surge pricing”, with fares 2.9 times higher than normal and with a minimum fare of £14.50. Even sitting in standing traffic would cost 43p per minute instead of the normal 15p. |
| Uber, which connects users with private-hire drivers, has driven down the cost of minicabs in London, with regular fares as low as £1.25 per mile, but often increases charges when demand is high, such as late on weekends, when lots of people want to get home at the same time. Its 15,000 drivers in the capital target areas where “surge pricing” is in force in order to boost incomes. There have been accusations that some Uber drivers barely make the minimum wage as a result of falling fares. | Uber, which connects users with private-hire drivers, has driven down the cost of minicabs in London, with regular fares as low as £1.25 per mile, but often increases charges when demand is high, such as late on weekends, when lots of people want to get home at the same time. Its 15,000 drivers in the capital target areas where “surge pricing” is in force in order to boost incomes. There have been accusations that some Uber drivers barely make the minimum wage as a result of falling fares. |
| Steve McNamara, head of the London Taxi Drivers Association, seized on the price hikes as “yet further evidence of how a profit-motivated $50bn dollar company operates”. | Steve McNamara, head of the London Taxi Drivers Association, seized on the price hikes as “yet further evidence of how a profit-motivated $50bn dollar company operates”. |
| 2.15pm BST | 2.15pm BST |
| 14:15 | 14:15 |
| Those who chose to scoot to work got a mixed reaction. | Those who chose to scoot to work got a mixed reaction. |
| No problems with arriving at the office. Solution -> train + kick scooter #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/tw1ZHcjJPk | No problems with arriving at the office. Solution -> train + kick scooter #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/tw1ZHcjJPk |
| Beat the tube strike. Get up early, drive, main-line and commuter scooter. Door to door in 1hr. @TfL #wewontbebeaten pic.twitter.com/A9B1gS7p0b | Beat the tube strike. Get up early, drive, main-line and commuter scooter. Door to door in 1hr. @TfL #wewontbebeaten pic.twitter.com/A9B1gS7p0b |
| Seeing old men tearing up the roads on a micro scooter is what the #tubestrike is all about 😂 | Seeing old men tearing up the roads on a micro scooter is what the #tubestrike is all about 😂 |
| Saw a super smug businessman in a three piece on a razor scooter. Speeding past buses, jowels rippling in the wind. Pure joy. #tubestrike | Saw a super smug businessman in a three piece on a razor scooter. Speeding past buses, jowels rippling in the wind. Pure joy. #tubestrike |
| A tube strike is no justification for an adult using a push along scooter. Nothing is. | A tube strike is no justification for an adult using a push along scooter. Nothing is. |
| 2.01pm BST | 2.01pm BST |
| 14:01 | 14:01 |
| The taxi app Uber has been criticised over pricing after claims that it has tripled prices in some areas during the strike. PA reports: | The taxi app Uber has been criticised over pricing after claims that it has tripled prices in some areas during the strike. PA reports: |
| Commuters used social media this morning to report rises as high as 200% as they sought to find alternative ways to work, with the Underground out of action. | Commuters used social media this morning to report rises as high as 200% as they sought to find alternative ways to work, with the Underground out of action. |
| Uber said its programming means that in times of high demand for cars, prices are increased to encourage more drivers on to the roads. | Uber said its programming means that in times of high demand for cars, prices are increased to encourage more drivers on to the roads. |
| An Uber spokesman said: “Drivers work on the Uber platform on a completely flexible basis, as much or as little as they want. During times of peak demand - when demand massively outstrips supply - fares increase temporarily to incentivise more drivers to work on the platform. As soon as the demand drops or supply increases, the price comes back down.” | An Uber spokesman said: “Drivers work on the Uber platform on a completely flexible basis, as much or as little as they want. During times of peak demand - when demand massively outstrips supply - fares increase temporarily to incentivise more drivers to work on the platform. As soon as the demand drops or supply increases, the price comes back down.” |
| The spokesman added that customers, known as “riders”, are made aware of fare increases before they book. | The spokesman added that customers, known as “riders”, are made aware of fare increases before they book. |
| “Dynamic pricing is fully transparent - riders are notified clearly in-app, and even have to physically type in the price, to confirm they have understood the pricing. | “Dynamic pricing is fully transparent - riders are notified clearly in-app, and even have to physically type in the price, to confirm they have understood the pricing. |
| “Riders also have the option to get a fare estimate at that price, or can press the ‘Notify me when surge drops’ button to get a message as soon as the price drops back to normal.” | “Riders also have the option to get a fare estimate at that price, or can press the ‘Notify me when surge drops’ button to get a message as soon as the price drops back to normal.” |
| The car-sharing service added that it was encouraging users to split fares with friends and colleagues during the strike. | The car-sharing service added that it was encouraging users to split fares with friends and colleagues during the strike. |
| 1.44pm BST | 1.44pm BST |
| 13:44 | 13:44 |
| The RMT’s general secretary, Mick Cash, has dismissed First Great Western’s claims to be running a 60% service as “pure fiction”. | The RMT’s general secretary, Mick Cash, has dismissed First Great Western’s claims to be running a 60% service as “pure fiction”. |
| He said: | He said: |
| The company have been forced into wholesale shutdowns , with a manager-run skeleton service in some areas , due to the strike action as passengers will confirm. It does no one any favours driving more people onto dangerously overcowded trains. | The company have been forced into wholesale shutdowns , with a manager-run skeleton service in some areas , due to the strike action as passengers will confirm. It does no one any favours driving more people onto dangerously overcowded trains. |
| The solution to this dispute isn’t manufactured figures and PR stunts it is serious talks addressing the core issues that have forced our members to strike. | The solution to this dispute isn’t manufactured figures and PR stunts it is serious talks addressing the core issues that have forced our members to strike. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.45pm BST | at 1.45pm BST |
| 12.57pm BST | 12.57pm BST |
| 12:57 | 12:57 |
| Dave Hill | Dave Hill |
| The big significance of this dispute is that all four of the main Tube unions are involved, writes Dave Hill. | The big significance of this dispute is that all four of the main Tube unions are involved, writes Dave Hill. |
| That doesn’t happen often and comradely bonds aren’t always warm. The effectiveness of the strike, with every line suspended for the whole of Thursday, is crucially down to the participation of members of Aslef, the union that represents the majority of Tube drivers. Aside from past dust ups over Boxing Day pay, this group of workers doesn’t down tools readily. Its district organiser Finn Brennan chooses the words “sensible and moderate” to describe the organisation, then points to the outcome of the strike ballot: 98% in favour on an 81% turnout. Feelings are running high. | That doesn’t happen often and comradely bonds aren’t always warm. The effectiveness of the strike, with every line suspended for the whole of Thursday, is crucially down to the participation of members of Aslef, the union that represents the majority of Tube drivers. Aside from past dust ups over Boxing Day pay, this group of workers doesn’t down tools readily. Its district organiser Finn Brennan chooses the words “sensible and moderate” to describe the organisation, then points to the outcome of the strike ballot: 98% in favour on an 81% turnout. Feelings are running high. |
| Brennan insists that pay is not the central issue with the Night Tube. It’s about rosters and unsocial shifts and work-life balance in an increasingly pressured system. “There’s an intensification of demands on drivers,” he says. “More and more weekend working, more and more of a squeeze. Throwing money at this won’t help. The London economy is what it is and if you want change, you have to negotiate it through.” | Brennan insists that pay is not the central issue with the Night Tube. It’s about rosters and unsocial shifts and work-life balance in an increasingly pressured system. “There’s an intensification of demands on drivers,” he says. “More and more weekend working, more and more of a squeeze. Throwing money at this won’t help. The London economy is what it is and if you want change, you have to negotiate it through.” |
| London Underground management, of course, contend that they’re the reasonable ones and that the unions have walked away from talks. The blame positioning is nothing new. Neither are the usual cries for “driverless” trains, with their mistaken assumption that greater automation would instantly bring the unions to their knees. As Transport for London will tell you, even “driverless” trains would be staffed and those staff would be free to join unions. Any attempt to take that right away would very properly meet with fierce opposition in a proud London public service where even some station supervisors attach RMT badges to their ties. | London Underground management, of course, contend that they’re the reasonable ones and that the unions have walked away from talks. The blame positioning is nothing new. Neither are the usual cries for “driverless” trains, with their mistaken assumption that greater automation would instantly bring the unions to their knees. As Transport for London will tell you, even “driverless” trains would be staffed and those staff would be free to join unions. Any attempt to take that right away would very properly meet with fierce opposition in a proud London public service where even some station supervisors attach RMT badges to their ties. |
| Whichever side you take, the latest Tube strike is symptomatic of a city trying to manage the implications of its own boundless vigour with limited means. Relations between Tube unions and Tube management are at a serious low, but in the end both are essential to the best possible solution for the city they serve. | Whichever side you take, the latest Tube strike is symptomatic of a city trying to manage the implications of its own boundless vigour with limited means. Relations between Tube unions and Tube management are at a serious low, but in the end both are essential to the best possible solution for the city they serve. |
| Read the full post here. | Read the full post here. |
| 12.52pm BST | 12.52pm BST |
| 12:52 | 12:52 |
| First Great Western said more than 60% of its services were operating as normal today, despite the RMT’s separate dispute with the company over proposed cuts to guards and buffet cars on new trains. | First Great Western said more than 60% of its services were operating as normal today, despite the RMT’s separate dispute with the company over proposed cuts to guards and buffet cars on new trains. |
| The RMT claimed its members were “solidly supporting” the 48 hours of strike action over the threat to jobs, services and safety. But FGW said 10% more staff than expected turned up for work. | The RMT claimed its members were “solidly supporting” the 48 hours of strike action over the threat to jobs, services and safety. But FGW said 10% more staff than expected turned up for work. |
| The dispute centres around plans to dispose of guards and buffet cars on FGW’s new Hitachi Inter City Express trains which will replace intercity trains from 2017. FGW pointed out it had no plans to remove train managers from intercity trains. | The dispute centres around plans to dispose of guards and buffet cars on FGW’s new Hitachi Inter City Express trains which will replace intercity trains from 2017. FGW pointed out it had no plans to remove train managers from intercity trains. |
| First Great Western managing director, Mark Hopwood said: “We can’t deliver those [new trains] if they are operated in the same way as the trains we run today, which were built in the 1970s. | First Great Western managing director, Mark Hopwood said: “We can’t deliver those [new trains] if they are operated in the same way as the trains we run today, which were built in the 1970s. |
| “We have already made assurances about job security and commitments to increase the number of staff on board Super Express Trains, and I am happy to repeat those today. No-one working on board these trains will lose their jobs because of our proposals, in fact we need at least 100 more, not fewer staff on board to deliver our plans. We’ve also protected pay and conditions for those currently working in these roles. | “We have already made assurances about job security and commitments to increase the number of staff on board Super Express Trains, and I am happy to repeat those today. No-one working on board these trains will lose their jobs because of our proposals, in fact we need at least 100 more, not fewer staff on board to deliver our plans. We’ve also protected pay and conditions for those currently working in these roles. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.01pm BST | at 1.01pm BST |
| 12.02pm BST | 12.02pm BST |
| 12:02 | 12:02 |
| Here’s a summary of where things currently stand: | Here’s a summary of where things currently stand: |
| We’re going to pause the live blog for now, but we will have more updates when the evening commute begins. | We’re going to pause the live blog for now, but we will have more updates when the evening commute begins. |
| 11.42am BST | 11.42am BST |
| 11:42 | 11:42 |
| Boris Johnson has cast more doubt over the date for the introduction of the Night Tube, according to PA. | Boris Johnson has cast more doubt over the date for the introduction of the Night Tube, according to PA. |
| After dodging the question of the 12 September deadline for the new services in a radio interview (see earlier) Johnson again refused to rule out a delay when speaking at City Hall.. | After dodging the question of the 12 September deadline for the new services in a radio interview (see earlier) Johnson again refused to rule out a delay when speaking at City Hall.. |
| Johnson said: “I am not as hung up on the date. We will get it done this autumn.” | Johnson said: “I am not as hung up on the date. We will get it done this autumn.” |
| Managers have tabled a “final” offer, including an average 2% rise this year, at least retail prices index (RPI) inflation for each of the next two years and 2,000 for drivers on the new service. | Managers have tabled a “final” offer, including an average 2% rise this year, at least retail prices index (RPI) inflation for each of the next two years and 2,000 for drivers on the new service. |
| Saying this was a “good offer” Johnson added that union leaders simply were not interested in reaching an agreement. | Saying this was a “good offer” Johnson added that union leaders simply were not interested in reaching an agreement. |
| He said: “Obviously I very much apologise for all the delay, all the destruction. I congratulate the millions of Londoners and other around the City who are making a huge effort to get into work. | He said: “Obviously I very much apologise for all the delay, all the destruction. I congratulate the millions of Londoners and other around the City who are making a huge effort to get into work. |
| “I am very sorry for the Tube being down, we have just got to get through this. | “I am very sorry for the Tube being down, we have just got to get through this. |
| “We have got to get on with the Night Tube. The unions don’t like it, they don’t think that we should be able to do this. I think it is essential for the city, they want to show that you can’t do a huge change like this without them expressing their views. | “We have got to get on with the Night Tube. The unions don’t like it, they don’t think that we should be able to do this. I think it is essential for the city, they want to show that you can’t do a huge change like this without them expressing their views. |
| “Unfortunately what has happened is that the union leadership has basically been spoiling for a big fight on this. I think they were very disappointed by the election result in May.” | “Unfortunately what has happened is that the union leadership has basically been spoiling for a big fight on this. I think they were very disappointed by the election result in May.” |
| 11.34am BST | 11.34am BST |
| 11:34 | 11:34 |
| The queue for taxis at Paddington goes on and on, according to video from the BBC’s Richard Main. | The queue for taxis at Paddington goes on and on, according to video from the BBC’s Richard Main. |
| Taxi queue at @NetworkRailPAD right now... #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/DDtmM2CHhR | Taxi queue at @NetworkRailPAD right now... #TubeStrike pic.twitter.com/DDtmM2CHhR |
| 11.28am BST | 11.28am BST |
| 11:28 | 11:28 |
| For some commuters it was just a walk in the park ... | For some commuters it was just a walk in the park ... |
| Fair play to all these commuters walking to work through Green Park in the sun this morning! #tubestrike #walklondon pic.twitter.com/EiOjCDZgZS | Fair play to all these commuters walking to work through Green Park in the sun this morning! #tubestrike #walklondon pic.twitter.com/EiOjCDZgZS |
| 11.24am BST | 11.24am BST |
| 11:24 | 11:24 |
| Esther Addley | Esther Addley |
| Wimbledon’s famous queue was markedly shorter this morning, numbering perhaps 1,000 rather than the tens of thousands that often line up outside the grounds, writes Esther Addley. | Wimbledon’s famous queue was markedly shorter this morning, numbering perhaps 1,000 rather than the tens of thousands that often line up outside the grounds, writes Esther Addley. |
| Women’s semi-finals day is often the quietest day of the tournament – the club does not sell tickets for Centre Court or court number 2 on the last four days of the Championships, and the women’s matches often attract a lower attendance than the men’s, particularly when Andy Murray is playing. | Women’s semi-finals day is often the quietest day of the tournament – the club does not sell tickets for Centre Court or court number 2 on the last four days of the Championships, and the women’s matches often attract a lower attendance than the men’s, particularly when Andy Murray is playing. |
| But those fans who had made it to the All England Club shortly before the gates opened expressed surprise that they hadn’t had to join the end of a much longer queue. | But those fans who had made it to the All England Club shortly before the gates opened expressed surprise that they hadn’t had to join the end of a much longer queue. |
| “We came around this time last year, and there was a queue going back in the park, and people camping overnight in tents,” said Tansy Stowell, who lives in Pimlico and had made her way to the ground by walking to Vauxhall station and catching an overground train. | “We came around this time last year, and there was a queue going back in the park, and people camping overnight in tents,” said Tansy Stowell, who lives in Pimlico and had made her way to the ground by walking to Vauxhall station and catching an overground train. |
| “Maybe people will start showing up a little bit later today because of the strike, it’ll just take them a little bit longer to get here.” | “Maybe people will start showing up a little bit later today because of the strike, it’ll just take them a little bit longer to get here.” |
| Matt Noble from York, attending the tournament for the first time with his mother Val, said they had been prepared for their journey from Streatham Common to be “a bit crazy”, but after researching their route on the internet, they had managed to catch two buses without incident. | Matt Noble from York, attending the tournament for the first time with his mother Val, said they had been prepared for their journey from Streatham Common to be “a bit crazy”, but after researching their route on the internet, they had managed to catch two buses without incident. |
| A steward said it was “very quiet... People are just walking in.” | A steward said it was “very quiet... People are just walking in.” |
| Attendance figures for Wednesday showed a sharp drop on last year from 40,477 to 37,220, suggesting some tennis fans had stayed away to avoid the start of the strike at 6.30pm. | Attendance figures for Wednesday showed a sharp drop on last year from 40,477 to 37,220, suggesting some tennis fans had stayed away to avoid the start of the strike at 6.30pm. |
| Wimbledon had warned fans during Wednesday’s match between Andy Murray and Vasek Pospisil that those reliant on the tube “should consider leaving as soon as possible”. | Wimbledon had warned fans during Wednesday’s match between Andy Murray and Vasek Pospisil that those reliant on the tube “should consider leaving as soon as possible”. |
| With the District line not running to Southfields tube station, the closest to the All England Club, organisers have laid on extra shuttle buses for those arriving at Wimbledon overground station. | With the District line not running to Southfields tube station, the closest to the All England Club, organisers have laid on extra shuttle buses for those arriving at Wimbledon overground station. |
| 11.19am BST | 11.19am BST |
| 11:19 | 11:19 |
| LBC host James O’Brien launched a passionate defence of the strikers and an attack on London Underground and Boris Johnson on his show this morning. | LBC host James O’Brien launched a passionate defence of the strikers and an attack on London Underground and Boris Johnson on his show this morning. |
| Here’s a sample: | Here’s a sample: |
| I don’t know for sure who is in the right and who is in the wrong on this. But I know historically I wouldn’t trust Boris Johnson ... if I was married to him. Tube drivers don’t necessarily strike me as people dedicated to the destruction of this city. | I don’t know for sure who is in the right and who is in the wrong on this. But I know historically I wouldn’t trust Boris Johnson ... if I was married to him. Tube drivers don’t necessarily strike me as people dedicated to the destruction of this city. |
| What I really don’t know is how we have ended up hating people who can take a swing back at their bosses. | What I really don’t know is how we have ended up hating people who can take a swing back at their bosses. |