The strikes to protest against high inflation in the United Kingdom continue this Friday (19) and paralyze almost all public transport in the capital London.
“There is virtually no service on the London Underground, but two lines are running at reduced capacity, with a train every 15 minutes or so,” a spokeswoman for public transport operator TfL told AFP.
Bus traffic was also disrupted.
The United Kingdom has been experiencing a wave of strikes in transport, mail and ports since Thursday (19), the biggest social movement of its kind in several decades.
Workers demand salary increases corresponding to inflation, which lowers purchasing power and in July reached 10.1% in annual rhythm. The index could exceed 13% in October, according to Bank of England forecasts.
Outside Blackhorse Road station, north London, several people were expressing their frustration.
“I’m going to be late for work, I need to get to central London,” lamented a woman as she tried to get on a bus.
“I understand the message that [os grevistas] want to pass on to the bosses, but […] London is a big city and a lot of people have to get to work,” said saleswoman Catherine Ondo, 25.
A day of rail strike is scheduled for Saturday.
Unions say talks with private operators in the sector have stalled after workers rejected an offer of an 8% two-year wage increase from Network Rail, the state-owned rail company.
Unions accuse the company of making the proposal conditional on large-scale layoffs.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps accuses unions of blocking the situation and rejecting reforms to modernize the sector.
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