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London business leaders call for restrictions on tube strikes

A new survey by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has found that the majority of London businesses want restrictions on tube strikes after a string of recent strikes have crippled the capital.

According to the poll of more than 500 business leaders by ComRes, 73% of those surveyed said that trade unions should be made responsible for ensuring there is a minimum level of service during instances of strike action.

A strike by Night Tube drivers on April 29 was averted after RMT members voted against the move, but 24 hour strike action back in February and March unleashed misery for commuters in London, as businesses and employees were forced to find alternative travel arrangements after key lines on the Tube network were shut down.

The impact for some of the city’s businesses is obvious with business leaders now clearly growing weary of the continued disruption for their workforce.

In light of this, more than two-thirds of those surveyed (67%) also thought that any strike action should be conditional on an impartial judge deeming it to be reasonable and appropriate.

LCCI’s Chief Executive, Colin Stanbridge, said: “Of course Underground workers should have the right to strike - but with rights come responsibilities.

“Tube strikes have such a detrimental impact on the city’s economy on a day to day basis and, undoubtedly, reflect badly on London’s international reputation as a place to do business.

“If the London Underground was classed as an essential service, a minimum service would have to be provided by London Underground workers - like current rules around the fire service.”

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