Union and TfL clash over impact of Tube strike

Union leaders clashed with London Underground today over the impact of a strike by maintenance workers, insisting the action had disrupted services.

Union leaders clashed with London Underground today over the impact of a strike by maintenance workers, insisting the action had disrupted services.

Transport for London (TfL) said Tube services were operating as normal, with no significant disruption, despite a 48-hour walkout by members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union from 7pm last night.

A spokesman said: "The RMT action is having no significant impact and we intend to operate a full service throughout the duration of the strike.

"All safety and emergency response duties are covered and the network is operating as normal."

But the RMT said there were delays on the District, Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines because signal faults were left unrepaired and drivers were refusing to move trains due to safety reasons. LU denied the claims.

RMT members employed by Tube Lines went ahead with the walkout after the company failed in a legal challenge to the union's ballot.

Tube Lines work is being taken over by TfL at the end of the month but the RMT said it has concerns over jobs, pay and conditions.

Another 48-hour strike is planned next month unless the dispute is resolved.