Unions announce tube strike on anniversary of the 7/7 bombings

London

The announcement of Tube strike on the tenth anniversary of the 7/7 bombings has incited outrage among the public and passengers who labeled it 'extremely insensitive' and disgraceful'. The announcement which came about merely hours after services to remember the 52 people killed in the terrorist attack a decade ago, has not sat well with the public.

The strike will totally shut down the entire London Underground network - on which 4million journeys are made every day - from 6.30pm tomorrow and for the whole of Thursday Disruption is expected to continue into Friday, and British media described thestrike as set to be the worst since 2002.

A last-minute offer failed to clinch a deal between London Underground and The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), Aslef, Transport Salaried Staffs Association and Unite. London Underground said the "final" offer included an average salary rise of 2 percent, salary rises in line with retail inflation for two years and a bonus of £2,000 ($3,010) for drivers on the new all-night services.

"None of the unions responded to the offer," said London Underground managing director Mike Brown. "All we have heard is a series of speeches from trade union leaders, condemning us for communicating with our staff. "Union leaders in turn accused London Underground management of producing the proposal too late and failing to convince negotiators that safety, fairness and a balance between work and life would be protected.