With the temperature hitting single figures on a Monday morning, the last thing people want to hear is that their journey is likely to take twice as long as usual. Yet, this is what people all over London were told, as they started their daily commute on the 8th of January. The reason? Tube strikes.

With the most recent being the 25th of January (where the Central Line was the most affected), and two more expected to happen in February, journeys on strike days have been typically described as “mayhem” and “havoc”.  Yet, with underground workers being described as “useless” and “selfish”-amongst other insulting adjectives- few people appear to know the reason for the increase in organized walkouts by staff.

The strikes are against Transport for London, and the underground workers on strike are mainly from RMT, TSSA and other trade unions. Contrary to popular belief, the strikes are to do with working conditions, not pay. The reason for this is primarily to do with disputes between TfL and the trade unions caused by the “Fit for the Future” project, initially implemented by TfL management under the supervision of former London Mayor Boris Johnson.  The project- aiming to ensure a “world class service”-has caused the closure of all ticket offices resulting in the loss of more than 838 jobs, leaving “stations without sufficient staff to operate safely and effectively” (according to RMT).  The staff shortage has meant that staff have “been exposed to a spike in both verbal and physical abuse”, as stated by the TSSA website.  Other proposals made by TfL have included changes to Terms and Conditions in workers’ contracts, such as changes to their pension funds, which could potentially result in future instability.

One underground worker who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We’re striking because we want to prevent overcrowding, and improve safety. We’re not selfish-we’re concerned for everyone’s welfare and our future. What would you do if your job was under threat?“

For more information about the upcoming strikes, visit TfL on social media websites, such as Instagram, Facebook or Twitter- as they will be posting updates for commuters. Alternatively, visit RMT, TSSA or ASLEF websites. 

By: Oriana Campbell-Palmer