Tube strikes could knock 2% of London restaurant trade
A series of planned Tube strikes could knock 2% out of this year's London evening restaurant trade.
That's the warning from the British Hospitality Association (BHA), which said it was concerned about the planned action by London Underground and Heathrow Express staff.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union will take industrial action against London Underground (LU), Transport for London (TfL) and the Heathrow Express in relation to separate disputes over issues including pay, pensions and jobs.
The planned tube strikes are scheduled from 28-30 April and 5-8 May, with a 48-hour walkout on the Heathrow Express due to begin at 3am on 29 April.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association said: "The planned industrial action by the London Underground staff covers seven evenings; in effect 2% of the evenings this year when London's restaurants and related businesses, such as theatres, can attract customers.
"Even if strikes are cancelled or ineffective, people will still cancel bookings or not make them in the first place. We hope that the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT Union) and industry chiefs will be able to find a swift resolution which avoids further strike action and which does not impact negatively on tourists and commuters."
