STRIKING FEAR London Underground strikes WILL go ahead with commuters facing week of misery – find out how you’re affected

 

The strike action will begin at 6pm tonight, January 5, until 6pm on Saturday, January 6, the RMT confirmed.

The main week of strikes will then begin on Sunday, threatening to derail many Londoners' plans.

Nearly 10,000 RMT members will strike across the Tube, wreaking havoc on commuters who have to travel inside for work.

The RMT said they would take industrial action to protest against pay, grading structures and travel facilities.

Football fans attending the FA Cup match between Arsenal and Liverpool in the Emirates on Sunday will have to rush to catch the last trains before services are closed for the week.

Transport for London (TfL) said there would be little or no service between the evening of Sunday, 7 January and the morning of Friday, 12 January.

Workers should expect major disruption next week and should leave more time for their commutes.

Londoners will still be able to use the Overground and the Elizabeth Line, as well as other services such as the DLR and tram services.

However, last minute changes may affect these lines, including non-stopping at some stations shared with London Underground.

London buses were expected to run normally but many routes would be extremely busy.

Negotiations continued between TfL and the RMT to avoid strike action but ultimately failed.

An RMT spokesperson said: “TfL has failed to avert this strike by not offering an acceptable deal to our members on London Underground.

“We do not take strike action lightly, but we are committed to reaching a negotiated settlement on pay, travel facilities and a grading structure that means our members will not suffer.

TfL chief operating officer Glynn Barton said: “We are disappointed that the RMT are planning a strike in response to our offer of a five per cent pay rise.

“We have been clear throughout our meaningful discussions with our trade unions that this offer is the maximum amount we can afford while ensuring we can operate safely, reliably and sustainably.”

He said: “We encourage RMTs to join us to avoid disruption for Londoners.

“We would like to advise anyone traveling on the strike days to check before travelling.”

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said that Tube workers bring a lot of money into the London economy and, therefore, should not have to be left with a "paltry offer of less than inflation" – while managers and commissioners "get away with it".