Striking Tube workers have brought London Underground services to a standstill this week, causing widespread travel chaos across the capital. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are taking industrial action over pay and working hours disputes.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey has called on London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to attend a summit with the union to resolve the dispute. Speaking at the TUC Congress in Brighton, Dempsey directly challenged the mayor's approach to the crisis.
Union leader's demands
Dempsey told delegates: "I've got a message for the mayor. Instead of going on social media, instead of the old tired cliches, telling trades unionists to get round the table, you're the Mayor of London, you're the chair of Transport for London."
He continued: "Stop going on social media, invite us to the meeting, let's have a discussion, because I want to know what is going on in London." Dempsey warned of continued strike action without resolution, stating: "We take no pleasure in causing disruption but we make no apology for fighting for our members."
Pay dispute details
The union has rejected a 3.4% pay offer from London Underground. RMT members are also campaigning for a reduction in their current 35-hour working week, which Transport for London says is financially unaffordable.
Dempsey concluded his address with a direct appeal: "So if the mayor has any sense, he will reach out to us."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
