COMMUTERS into London face travel chaos again today because of the sixth strike by Tube drivers, with the imminent prospect of more industrial action on the railways.
London Underground said last night that it expected the Tube network to be at a virtual standstill, although a spokesman said she hoped that talks could be held with the unions to resolve the dispute before the next threatened strike on Aug 7.
During the stoppage last Thursday, the Underground ran 10 trains at various times. The spokesman said the effect of today's strike was expected to be the same.
Aslef, the driver's union, has held five 24-hour stoppages since June 27 in a dispute over working hours. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union joined the last two strikes.
The Underground spokesman said: "We have suggested that the dispute should be referred to independent arbitration and hope the unions are able to accept this."
The unions have accused the Underground of reneging on a pledge to cut an hour from the working week. The company says that any reduction is conditional on productivity gains. More strikes are planned.
Traffic has been jammed on many main roads during the strikes. A car-sharing hotline has been set up by the RAC and the Freewheelers group to try to cut the number of vehicles.
Drivers who call 0191 222 0090 will be matched to people in their area who want a lift.
Meanwhile, the RMT is set to announce the results of ballots for industrial action this week among members in 11 train-operating companies in two more disputes over productivity pay and refreshment breaks.
Conductors, ticket examiners and catering staff are voting on whether to strike. The results are due after Wednesday.
The union is seeking 30-minute breaks on Central Trains, North London Railways, ScotRail, South Wales and West Railway and Thames Trains.
The RMT is balloting for action in a dispute over pay for past productivity at Central Trains, Merseyrail Electrics, North London Railways, North West Regional Railways, Regional Railways North East, ScotRail Railways, South Wales and West Railway, Thames Trains, CrossCountry Trains, Great Western Trains and InterCity East Coast.
Benefits Agency workers are to stage a two-day strike over safety in offices. Up to 25,000 members of the Civil and Public Services Association will be called on to walk out on Thursday and Friday, disrupting payments of income support, unemployment and other benefits.
The union fears for the safety of its members when the jobseekers' allowance is introduced in October and wants protective screens installed.
