The RMT was prevented from joining the strike by a court ruling, although members refused to cross ASLEF picket lines. The rail unions fear the impact on jobs and work conditions that privatization would bring about.

On a picket at the Northumberland Park depot in north London, RMT member Glenroy Watson reported that out of the 200 union members working there only four have crossed the picket line.

Safety and the long working hours are also at issue. "A year ago we won a reduction in hours to a 35-hour week, but station staff are still doing a compulsory 42 hours," he said.

Adam, a young RMT member from west London, said, "The ASLEF drivers have not turned up for work today because we supported them last time by not crossing picket lines. There are already safety problems on the Underground and with privatization it will get worse."

The London Evening Standard portrayed the rail unions as dinosaurs "entrenched...in the dark ages." Yet the paper had to admit that only 31 out of a possible 475 trains ran March 29, with no trains at all on most lines. Trying to whip up antiunion sentiments, photos in the paper showed football-size crowds waiting to get onto the buses and people walking to and from work.

"We've shown our strength and solidarity today by striking together," Ian Brandon said. "If they are seeking private money to run the Underground, then whether this comes from shareholders or bondholders, they are not going to invest unless they can skim off a profit. That means a failing infrastructure and more attacks on safety, working conditions, and pay."  
 
 
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