The biggest public transport strike in more than 30 years

The British minister refuses to speak with the union despite its threats to demand stricter measures

train stations in United kingdom The London Underground remained closed or disrupted this Tuesday due to the strike backed by sector workers to demand better wages, which has had a strong impact on users and the economy. Government Boris Johnson It faces the UK’s biggest rail strike in more than 30 years, after the National Rail, Marine and Transport Workers’ Union (RMT) called for force for Tuesday, 23 and 25 June, to demand improvements with the director of public infrastructure. railway network and private font operators.

due to the closure of metro stations, Long queues formed at urban bus stations While the demand for taxis was significant and users were recommended to avoid traveling as much as possible. In London, there is very limited Underground service, as most lines do not run on Tuesdays.

The strength scale coincides with some of the important tests that high school students are taking in the country this month. The strike will come at a high cost to the British economyEspecially in the hospitality sector, whose losses are estimated at 500 million pounds (580 million euros).

UK Hospitality CEO Kate Nichols, which includes the hospitality sector, told the BBC on Tuesday that restaurants and bars are feeling “The impact of the train strike on your workers who are unable to go to work, and most importantly on customers who are unable to travel“.

He added that “many of them close their doors early or do not open their doors during the days of the strike, which means that our workers cannot work.”

to reject shaps

British Transport Minister, Grant ShapsOn Tuesday, it refused to meet with the railway sector unions, as requested, to help resolve the dispute over wages.

“I don’t usually meet them because they cheat. “If I thought there was a one in a million chance, that would make a little difference, of course, I would do it in a heartbeat,” the minister told the BBC about the possibility of joining negotiations on wages and terms.

The government has indicated that it intends to introduce a bill soon to compel operators to provide minimum services during strikes, which is not happening now.