UK commuters in lurch as strikes bring transport network to a halt

London's transport network ground to a halt on Friday as train and bus workers held strikes over pay and conditions, the latest in a summer of labour market disputes as double-digit inflation eats into wages. (Photo source: Reuters)

Commuters across the country have already endured disruption from rail strikes this year, organised by unions demanding pay and conditions for their members that better reflect the soaring cost of living caused by energy price-driven inflation. (Photo source: Reuters)

Data showed inflation at 10.1% in July, the highest since February 1982, as rising energy costs resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine hit consumers directly through their household bills, and indirectly through rising food prices. (Photo source: Reuters)

That has led to a standoff between firms, who say rising costs and falling demand limit their room to negotiate, unions who say their workers cannot afford to live and the government, which is worried that big wage increases may fuel inflation. (Photo source: Reuters)

The RMT said the underground strike was in response to a lack of assurances about jobs and pensions from Transport for London. In a letter to Shapps, the union accused him of waging ideological war against rail workers. (Photo source: Reuters)

Transport for London is itself in prolonged negotiations with the government after the expiration of an emergency state funding deal, in part necessitated by a post-pandemic fall in passengers. (Photo source: Reuters)

Workers in other British industries are also planning future strikes or moving towards industrial action. These include port workers, lawyers, teachers, nurses, firefighters, and waste collection, airport and postal staff. (Photo source: Reuters)