News
LIMS 09: Potential tube strike for trade day
Andy Barrett Jun 9 2009, 10:03am
Industrial action on London Underground prompts mayor to organise alternatives
The threatened industrial action from the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) looks likely to go ahead as of today (Tuesday, June 9th) from 18:59 for 48 hours. Although the union has stated its action, called for as the result of disagreements with management over jobs and pay, can still be called off through dialogue, although with the strike just a few hours away, the chances are diminishing.
This means that London Underground services are likely to be out of action for the opening, trade day of the London International Music Show. The Docklands Light Railway and London ‘overground’ rail services will not be affected by the strike.
In response to the industrial action, London’s mayor, Boris Johnson has put a raft of extra services in place as part of a major effort to help people get around the capital. Plans include extra buses, access to all Greater London National Rail services with Oyster pay as you go, taxi sharing at major rail stations, escorted commuter cycle rides, additional cycle parking and a free River shuttle service.
Should the strike go ahead, normal service is expected to be resumed by Friday morning (June 12th).
Full details of the alternatives can be found here. Those travelling through London for the show are advised to check with the Transport for London website before setting out.
Maps of London bus routes can be found here.
The MIA, while obviously concerned about the strike and the inconvenience that could be caused, is also equally confident that those retailers visiting the show will already have their travel and accommodation plans in place and the strike is unlikely to affect attendance from the show. The MI trade association would like, however, to encourage all retailers to make the extra bit of effort needed to get to the show should the strike go ahead.
