London Rail Workers Call Off Strike

Metronet's tube maintenance workers, who have brought London's underground transport system to a near standstill for more than 24 hours over jobs and pension uncertainty, have suspended their strike in the face of a strong public backlash.

The UK's Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) called off the strike this morning, a day early, saying clarification on staff payments had been 'clarified'.

It is the biggest strike of its type held in London for three years, with 2,300 staff taking part.

Staff alleged job entitlements had not been guaranteed following the collapse of Metronet, which manages two thirds of London's tube line, which entered voluntary administration more than six weeks ago.

It is said that Metronet was running on large cost overruns of up to £1bn, which dishonoured an agreement made with Transport for London (TfL).

Metronet provides maintenance for tracks, tunnels and signalling, while TfL operates the trains.

Investment bank UBS is currently advising the UK Government on how to manage Metronet's demise and TfL's bid to take over the company.

Millions of Londoners were left stranded yesterday by the rail strikes, which caused havoc at peak hours as buses filled to capacity and roads overflowed with commuters on their way to work.

A report in Reuters yesterday says London commuters waged protests against the union and the strike on social engineering site Facebook.com

Reported by Penny Jones