The 48-hour London tube strike is now underway.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has spoken out regarding the 48-hour London Underground strike, stating that the ‘rug has been pulled from under a workable agreement’, while commuters face transport chaos across the capital.

The strike by London Undergound workers began at 18:59hrs on Tuesday 9 June and will continue until 18:58 hours Thursday 11 June, with normal service expected to resume fully by the morning of Friday 12 June.

In a statement, Bob Crow, RMT’s General Secretary, defended the strike action: “On London Underground, bosses are threatening to tear up an agreement aimed at safeguarding jobs, and have refused to rule out compulsory redundancies… On pay, we have asked for the usual single year agreement. Tube chiefs attempted to impose a five year deal which would have meant real terms pay cuts into the next decade.

“RMT is committed to a modern and safe public transport system for Londoners. That cannot be achieved by axing jobs, slashing rates of pay and imposing massive cutbacks on the Tube.”

Transport for London (TfL) is issuing updates regarding the situation, and has put into place many extra services and contingency plans in an effort to keep London moving.

According to the organisation, this morning, Wednesday 10 June, there is a “good service” on the Northern Line, with reduced shuttle services running on sections of the other lines. Extra buses have been placed on service, and Oyster pay as you go is being accepted on National Rail journeys in Greater London.

Peter Hendy, Transport Commissioner, said: “Despite us making progress on all issues, the RMT leadership has decided to strike rather than continue to talk beyond their own self-imposed deadline. The RMT leadership says we were close to a deal. If that is the case, then they should call off the strike, return to talks at ACAS today and resolve this issue without any more disruption to Londoners. We remain ready for talks at any time.”

To stay updated with the latest transport situation, visit the TfL website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk