London hit by 24-hour combined strike by Tube drivers and station staff

A 24-hour strike by Tube drivers and station staff has caused major disruption to commuters in London on Wednesday. 

Transport for London (TfL) advised passengers to check their route before travelling, as almost all of the Underground network was closed and other services were likely to be busier and subject to delays. 

Roads were expected to be congested, particularly in areas where buses were slowed down. TfL also warned of possible disruption on parts of the Elizabeth Line and London Overground where stations are shared with Tube stops. 

Ongoing UK strikes 

This is the seventh strike to close the Tube in just over a year and coincides with budget day, as unions protest against government-led policies that could impact staff pensions and result in job cuts. 

Members of the Aslef and RMT unions are striking over planned changes to pensions and staffing on the Underground network. While TfL has denied planning any cuts to pensions, it has started reviewing its scheme as part of a funding settlement agreed with the government during the pandemic. 

The drivers’ strike is the first of its kind in eight years, and Aslef is insisting on ensuring that any changes to conditions and pensions are agreed upon with unions. 

Approximately 10,000 RMT members at stations are holding a concurrent strike, the seventh across the capital in just over a year. 

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has urged mayor Sadiq Khan to call off the pensions review and halt a recruitment freeze that will eventually lead to 600 fewer station staff. 

The disruption is expected to continue into Thursday morning when a national rail strike by the RMT at major operators will also affect other train services into London, including the outer stretches of the Elizabeth Line.