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Strike forces Tube line closure

Wed Apr 22 14:43:00 UTC 2009

Tube line stays shut after strike

Wed Apr 22 21:02:16 UTC 2009

Tube passengers are facing disruption as one of the busiest lines on the Underground has been completely closed by a drivers' strike.

Disruption continues for Tube passengers as one of the busiest London Underground lines remains closed following a drivers' strike.

The Victoria Line was suspended from 0600 BST after 180 drivers walked out for 24 hours on Tuesday night.

The Victoria Line was suspended from Wednesday morning after a 24-hour walk-out by 180 drivers on Tuesday night.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union claims trains need safety features to stop doors opening on the wrong side.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union claims trains need safety features to stop doors opening on the wrong side.

Transport for London (TfL) said the strike was not about safety and said the action was completely unnecessary.

Transport for London (TfL) said it expected to resume a normal service on the line on Thursday.

TfL has advised passengers to check before they travel and to seek alternative travel wherever possible.

TfL described the strike action as "completely unnecessary".

It said more people are using the northern end of the Piccadilly Line as a result of the Victoria Line's suspension but that it is being managed safely.

South West Trains, South East Trains, Southern, London Buses and London Overground are accepting tickets as the Victoria Line remains suspended.

The industrial action, which ended at 2100 BST on Wednesday, was taken by workers from the Seven Sisters depot in north London.

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Rail strike affects Victoria line

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) said the correct door-side enabling equipment had been installed on all other Tube lines.

South West Trains, South East Trains, Southern, London Buses and London Overground are accepting tickets.

The industrial action, which ends at 2100 BST on Wednesday, is being taken by workers from the Seven Sisters depot in north London.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) said the correct door-side enabling equipment was installed on all other Tube lines.

General secretary Bob Crow also accused the management of "a culture of bullying and harassment" of union members on the Victoria Line.

Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record
TfL spokesman

Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record
TfL spokesman
"The rock solid support from our members for [the] strike on the twin issues of safety and bullying should send a clear message to the management that we expect our concerns to be sorted out swiftly," he said.

A statement from TfL said: "Correct side door enabling equipment is in place on the new Victoria Line trains which will come into service in the next year.

A statement from TfL said: "Correct side door enabling equipment is in place on the new Victoria Line trains which will come into service in the next year.

"To retrofit the equipment in the existing trains would be hugely expensive and would take longer than the introduction of the new trains."

"To retrofit the equipment in the existing trains would be hugely expensive and would take longer than the introduction of the new trains."

He added: "This dispute is not about the safety of passengers or staff.

He added: "This dispute is not about the safety of passengers or staff.

"Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record."

"Safety is our top priority and London Underground has an excellent safety record."

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Rail strike affects Victoria line