Monday 24th August 2015

This cannot go on - LCCI comments on week of tube strikes

Commenting on the week of strikes likely to take place this week across London Underground, Sean McKee, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said: "This seemingly endless round of strikes across the underground network cannot go on.

"London businesses are being paralysed and in some cases suffering heavy losses.

"The unions have not yet put the current Transport for London offer to their members, as far as we are aware. We urge them to do so before committing to further strikes.

"August will now have seen three days of strikes, it is utterly unacceptable that our city is being held to ransom in this way.

"While it is very difficult to make any accurate predictions of the financial impact of strike action, it will undoubtedly have an economic impact. We must also consider the damage being done to London's reputation internationally - we run the risk of London being seen as a city riven by industrial strife, which will affect our lure to tourists and global businesses alike.

"Enough is enough, London needs a working transport system to thrive. The tube network is critical infrastructure, essential to the functioning of the capital and so Government needs to look at how to minimise future potential for strike action."

ENDS

Media contact
Jo Hooper, Press & Media Relations Manager
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: jhooper@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.

Sean McKee is available for further comment and interview.