Ascultă Radio România Actualitaţi Live

London's Underground system, affected by a two-day strike

In London three and a half million people have been struggling to get to where they need to go today because of a two-day strike by London's Underground transport workers.

London's Underground system, affected by a two-day strike
London's Mayor, Boris Johnson. Photo: facebook.com/transportforlondon

05 Februarie 2014, 13:39

I stayed at home today.

Trying to get into my office in central London would have taken several hours because the Underground system has been badly affected by a two-day strike.

But most people do not have the choice and are struggling to get to work, school, appointments, to do the shopping and so on.

London is grinding to a halt. And it is because of economics and politics.

The economics are straightforward - 1000 jobs will be lost in plans to modernise the Underground system. In particular, ticket offices will be closed.

So passengers will buy tickets and travel cards from automated machines.

The trades unions object to the job losses. They also say that the public will be disadvantaged by having to use such machines.

London's Mayor, Boris Johnson, who is responsible for London's transport system, says that the Underground system - known as the Tube - is inefficient and too costly.

"We need to modernise and to automate the tube, we need to take advantage of new technology that allows us to give people the option of automatic payment systems and that will enable us to save hundreds of millions of pounds and put that into new track, new signalling new trains", said Boris Johnson.

Transport officials say that there will be no compulsory redundancies.

But the unions argue that as more people use the network, there is a need for more staff not fewer.

However, there is also a political aspect to this dispute. Boris Johnson is a leading Conservative Party figure and favours restricting the right to strike by workers in key public service sectors.

He is also seen as keen to take over the leadership of the party from Prime Minister David Cameron.

He is perhaps calculating that the public's anger at the disruption of this week's two-day strike, and another two-day stoppage next week, will strength his hand on both counts.

International driving license
News in English 03 Noiembrie 2024, 14:52

International driving license

From mid-October, people who need an international driver's license can apply for it at the Driving License and Vehicle...

International driving license
Romanian Foreign Minister confident Moldova will join the EU
News in English 03 Noiembrie 2024, 14:51

Romanian Foreign Minister confident Moldova will join the EU

The Romanian Foreign Minister is confident that the Republic of Moldova will remain firmly anchored on the European path and...

Romanian Foreign Minister confident Moldova will join the EU
The organization of the referendum with the presidential elections in the capital
News in English 01 Noiembrie 2024, 20:23

The organization of the referendum with the presidential elections in the capital

The organization of the referendum in the capital at the same time as the presidential elections is facing organizational and...

The organization of the referendum with the presidential elections in the capital
Metrorex collective contract negotiations continue
News in English 01 Noiembrie 2024, 20:22

Metrorex collective contract negotiations continue

Negotiations between Metrorex management and trade unionists yesterday at the Ministry of Transport headquarters ended...

Metrorex collective contract negotiations continue
950 polling stations will be open abroad for presidential and parliamentary elections
News in English 31 Octombrie 2024, 16:46

950 polling stations will be open abroad for presidential and parliamentary elections

950 polling stations will be open abroad for this year's presidential and parliamentary elections, announces the...

950 polling stations will be open abroad for presidential and parliamentary elections
The electoral campaign for parliamentary elections officially begins
News in English 31 Octombrie 2024, 16:45

The electoral campaign for parliamentary elections officially begins

The electoral campaign for parliamentary elections officially starts at midnight. Parties, alliances or independents vying...

The electoral campaign for parliamentary elections officially begins
Six of the 22 Romanian citizens reported missing in the floods in Spain are safe, MFA says
News in English 31 Octombrie 2024, 16:44

Six of the 22 Romanian citizens reported missing in the floods in Spain are safe, MFA says

Six Romanian citizens out of the 22 missing persons reported after the floods in Spain are safe, informs the Romanian...

Six of the 22 Romanian citizens reported missing in the floods in Spain are safe, MFA says
Researching for the Moon, at the Radio Hall
News in English 31 Octombrie 2024, 16:43

Researching for the Moon, at the Radio Hall

The Radio Big Band, together with the vocal duo "New Vegas Show", will present the show "Researching for the...

Researching for the Moon, at the Radio Hall