STRIKE action could have cost London’s economy up to £12 billion under Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan, according to Tory analysis.
Since entering office in 2016, there has been 139 days of industrial action.
Strike action could have cost London’s economy up to £12 billion under Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan[/caption]
That is nearly three times the combined strike days of his predecessors in City Hall, the Tories say.
They point to analysis from investment banks and consultants that have estimated costs to range from £24 million per day to nearer to £90 million per day.
They say this means the economic hit could be as high as £12.5 billion.
Conservative Mayoral candidate Susan Hall said: “Let’s not forget, when he first stood to be Mayor, Sadiq Khan promised zero strikes as Mayor.
“But now he has overseen more than one hundred – wrecking people’s commutes and damaging London’s economy.
“So long as our Mayor is at the beck and call of his party’s union paymasters, TfL strikes will continue to cause needless disruption.
“I am listening to Londoners, which is why I would take a firm but fair approach to the unions, securing the best deal for commuters, taxpayers and workers.”
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said: “The election on 2 May will be a close two-horse race between Sadiq who has frozen TfL fares, cut fares on Fridays and has introduced the Superloop express bus service, and his Tory opponent who voted against the TfL fares freeze.
“The Tory candidate should be hailing the welcome news that next week’s strike is off – thanks to engaging with transport staff and unions.
“Instead she comes up with a load of made-up nonsense.
“The Tories actually want strikes to go ahead – to the great inconvenience of Londoners – because this suits their own political ends.
“But Londoners won’t be fooled.”
