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Train station in London evacuated due to overcrowding amid Tube strike chaos

London's Clapham Junction station has been evacuated due to overcrowding as millions of undergrou...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.39 9 Jan 2017


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Train station in London evacua...

Train station in London evacuated due to overcrowding amid Tube strike chaos

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.39 9 Jan 2017


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London's Clapham Junction station has been evacuated due to overcrowding as millions of underground passengers are hit by a 24-hour strike by station staff.

Transport for London said it was likely that most stations in the central 'Zone 1' would be closed for the entire period, with services severely reduced across the Tube network.

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Large crowds formed inside and outside of key stations with people queuing for trains, buses and taxis at Victoria, King's Cross, Waterloo, Paddington, Euston, Bank, Liverpool Street and London Bridge.

The action, by members of the two unions, is part of a long-running dispute over ticket office closures.

According to the RMT and TSSA unions, more than 800 jobs have been lost, while staff are allegedly being abused by passengers queuing at ticket machines.

TSSA representatives turned down the latest offer, echoing an earlier decision from the RMT.

Earlier, London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the strike as "pointless".

He said: "This strike is going to be a huge inconvenience to commuters, tourists and TfL staff.

"And it is pointless. There is a good deal sitting on the table that will ensure station safety and staffing levels across the Tube network."

Mr Khan added: "I am willing to carry on negotiations. This historic dispute has nothing to do with the millions of Londoners this strike is punishing."

London Underground's chief operating officer, Steve Griffiths, said: "There is no need to strike. We agree that we need more staff in our stations and have already started to recruit 200 extra staff.

"Taking into account existing vacancies and natural turnover, this means that over 600 staff will be recruited for stations this year."


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