Report by a KEC correspondent
London Tube workers go on strike over demand of reduced working hours and increased wages. About 10,000 workers are on strike since Sunday, 7th September for their just demands.
Bustling crowds are a common sight at most Tube stations in London. However, the usual hustle has come to a halt since Tube workers went on strike starting Sunday, 7th September. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union, the largest transport union in the UK, initiated the strike to demand better working hours and improved wages. Approximately 10,000 members have been on strike since Sunday.
Workers have highlighted the harsh working conditions they’ve faced since the pandemic. There has been a significant reduction in the number of staff operating Tube services, with some estimates suggesting a drop of over 2,000 workers. This has greatly increased both the workload and working hours for the existing workers. Many workers have reported enduring “extreme shifts” — in some cases starting at 4 a.m. and ending at 1 a.m. next day — which have led to widespread fatigue. The irregular and extended hours have also contributed to health issues due to insufficient rest and sleep.
Transport for London (TfL), the public body responsible for managing London’s buses, underground railway, and other transport services, has stated that the demand to reduce working hours is “unaffordable and impractical.” TfL offered an annual pay rise of 3.4%, which was rejected by the RMT, following which they went on strike. So far, TfL has not engaged in any dialogue with the striking workers.
The London Underground transports an estimated 5 million passengers daily. Workers play a critical role in ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of the Tube. In an interview, an RMT spokesperson stated, “We are not going on strike to disrupt small businesses or the public. This strike is going ahead because of the intransigent approach of TfL management and their refusal to even consider a small reduction in the working week to help reduce fatigue and the ill-health effects of long-term shift work on our members.” Striking workers also stressed the importance of being well-rested before starting their next shift to ensure commuter safety.
The fight of the transport workers in London is absolutely justified. We extend full support to the fight and just demands of the workers in London.