Unions attacked over Tube strike

Tube union leaders faced an unprecedented barrage of condemnation today for the two 48-hour strikes they have called over a pay claim.

Passenger groups, business leaders and politicians attacked the decision of the militant Aslef and RMT unions which they warned will severely damage the capital's economy, still recovering from the effects of 11 September.

The first of the two strikes - revealed in final editions of last night's Evening Standard - will run from midday on Tuesday, 5 March, until noon on Thursday, 7 March. The second will take place during the same times from Tuesday, 26 March, to Thursday, 28 March.

The RMT and Aslef control virtually all the Tube's 3,000 drivers at the centre of the dispute. Even those who do want to work will be frightened off by pickets and London Underground does not expect to run any trains.

Business analyst Maurice Fitzpatrick of Tenon, the professional services group, estimated the loss caused by both strikes could be more than £200 million. City of London Corporation estimates put the losses far higher.

Bob Kiley, London's transport commissioner, said: "There are other ways the unions can make their point. The public is not with them."

LU said negotiations were not yet over.

Are Tube drivers greedy?