London tube strike chaos in the streets

Press.TV 12/26/10


The barricaded tube station entrance. An all too familiar sight for Londoners as the fifth underground strike in as many months caused severe disruption to shoppers and tourists especially.
The knock-on effect was also felt on the road network, as heavy traffic was reported in some areas on what's traditionally a quiet period for motorists.
But despite the disruption bargain hunters still flocked to the traditional Boxing Day sales. However, most were forced to drive, take the bus or even walk in their quest for a good deal.
The post-Christmas period is traditionally the busiest shopping time of the year in the UK with shoppers taking advantage of sales and reductions on items of up to 80 per cent. And here in Oxford St, London's main shopping district, it's quite busy as you can see behind me. But the tube strike has caused severe disruption and many shoppers have talked of a nightmare journeys getting to this area.
Members of the Aslef trade union voted to walk out after transport chiefs refused their demand for triple pay and a day off for working on December 26 - a national holiday in Britain.
The strike caused the part or full suspension of every Tube line - a network which is used by millions every day.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said Aslef's demands were "monstrous", and he accused the union of breaking an agreement on working hours that included conditions for national holidays.
It's also thought that the strike would have cost high street stores millions of pounds because shoppers would have reached their destinations late or not at all.
And with industrial action and street protests set to continue well into the New Year, Londoners can expect more disruption to their everyday lives.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• london
• tube
• chaos
• riot
• dispute
• working
• strike
• costs
• shoppers
• protest
• industry palestine

[maclachj1]

ASLEF=ATROCIOUS SELFISH LAZY ENSURIENT FUCKERS