Union fury after Tube firm says strike is failing to hit services

Union leaders clashed with London Underground bosses today over the impact of a strike by maintenance workers, insisting the action had disrupted services.

Staff walked out in a row over pay and conditions with Tube Lines, which maintains the District, Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines.

Transport for London said Tube services were running as normal, despite the 48-hour walkout by the Rail Maritime and Transport union from 7pm last night.

A spokesman said: "The RMT action is having no significant impact and we intend to operate a full service throughout the duration of the strike."

But the RMT said there were delays on all three lines because signal faults were left unrepaired and drivers were refusing to move trains due to safety reasons. LU denied the claims.

RMT members walked out after the company's legal challenge to the union's ballot failed.

Tube Lines' work is being taken over by TfL at the end of the month but the RMT has concerns over jobs, pay and conditions.