Network Rail Strike Hits London Underground Hard
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union’s walkouts at Network Rail have plunged London’s transport into chaos. Workers are 24 hours into the first of two planned 48-hour strikes on Tuesday, January 3, and Friday, January 5.
Though Tube staff are not striking, staff shortages at Network Rail have triggered major disruption across the London Underground. By 7 a.m. on January 4, four Tube lines were delayed or disrupted, the Elizabeth line faced serious problems, and the London Overground was completely shut down.
Lines in Turmoil – What’s Running?
Network Rail has urged commuters to travel only if absolutely necessary, to allow extra time, and to double-check train times for first and last services. Thousands are already braving the strike as they head back to work after New Year.
Jubilee Lines Still Operating:
- Metropolitan
- Northern
- Victoria
- Waterloo & the City
- Central
- Piccadilly
Latest Tube Delay Highlights (as of 7 a.m.):
- No service on Bakerloo between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone
- Significant delays clockwise on the Circle line
- No District line service between Turnham Green and Richmond; major delays from Earl’s Court to Wimbledon
- Minor delays around Hammersmith and the City line
- Elizabeth line shut between Paddington and Reading/Heathrow, and Liverpool Street to Shenfield
- London Overground completely closed
Strike Standoff: RMT Versus the Government
RMT chief Mick Lynch slammed the government, accusing ministers of “torpedoing” a December agreement and “undermining efforts to reach a settlement.” Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Mark Harper pushed the union to “hammer out a deal” with Network Rail and train companies.
Network Rail’s lead negotiator, Tim Shoveller, stayed optimistic. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said a deal was tantalisingly close. “We only need 2,000 people who voted no last time to change their vote, and the deal will pass,” he revealed. “So we believe that is within striking distance.”
London commuters can only hope this strike madness ends soon before the chaos worsens further.
