After London tram engineers scheduled strikes to coincide with Wimbledon, an update was revealed that could make or break the tournament.
Potential Strike Chaos
There has been an update on the scheduled London tram strike that could cause chaos during the Wimbledon Championships.
Wimbledon Fans Face Trouble
The tennis tournament, which runs from July 1st until July 14th, will attract fans from all over the world, but this year could be much harder.
TfL Dispute Takes Turn
After much dispute between tram engineers and bosses at TfL (Transport for London), officials can finally offer an update on the possible strike.
Dispute Concluded Just in Time
The dispute focused on pay for TfL workers and finally concluded just days before the Wimbledon Championships started.
Trams to Run as Normal
A spokesperson for TfL, Navid Golshan, revealed that the dispute had been “resolved” and work would continue as normal throughout the tournament.
Industrial Action Withdrawn
“We are pleased that we have resolved this dispute with Unite and the union has withdrawn their industrial action by the London Trams engineers,” Golshan said.
Tram Availability Affected
Despite this announcement, tram availability could still be scarce, with Golshan admitting they will run “as many services as possible”.
Tram Engineers’ Realisation
According to reports, the strikes were initiated after tram engineers found out they were being paid £10,000 less than their colleagues.
Engineers Angered by Unfair Pay
The tram engineers must achieve the same qualifications as their colleagues in order to be considered for the role, causing them to react.
Preparing Strikes to Delay Wimbledon
As a result, the Unite union planned a strike to coincide with the Wimbledon tournament, causing delays on stations essential for travel to the tournament.
Strike Dates Avoided
Unite planned strikes between 1st-8th July, then another strike from 11th-15th July, making up for almost the entire tournament.
A Busy Time for Wimbledon
Avoiding the strikes was essential for the All-England Tennis Club to run smoothly, especially as it appeared to be the last outing at a British Grand Slam for one fan favourite.
Murray’s Last Dance
British tennis star Andy Murray announced that this Wimbledon would be his last after struggles with injury.
Brits Flock to Witness Greatness
More Brits than ever are expected to flock to Wimbledon this year to try and catch a glimpse of Murray’s final outing, although many were left disappointed.
Murray Gets Time to Decide
The Championships, which prides itself on tradition and heritage, gave Murray the most time possible to decide whether he could play or not by giving him the last slot.
Murray’s Disappointing Announcement
Despite the time given, it wasn’t enough. Andy Murray announced he would not play in the Men’s Singles tournament this year, but there is something still to cheer about.
Still Hope for Fans
The 37-year-old Andy Murray still hopes to play in the Men’s Doubles with his brother, James Murray, in this Wimbledon tournament.
Fans Camp for Tickets
Fans on Monday morning were pitching tents at the crack of dawn in order to get tickets for what could have been Murray’s last single’s performance at Wimbledon the next day.
Fans Left Disappointed
Now, those fans would be left disappointed as their efforts to see Murray would be a waste of time.
TfL and Unite Save Fans
Despite the fans’ disappointment, at least they managed to get to the tournament on time. The agreement between Unite and TfL saved fans from a potential nightmare.
Russia Retreats as Western Allies Greenlight Ukraine’s Offensive
Recent Russian territorial gains in Ukraine could be reversed following a dramatic policy change from the US and Germany. The announcement could see a substantial tactical shift from both sides in the coming months. Russia Retreats as Western Allies Greenlight Ukraine’s Offensive
21 Lies You’ve Been Told About the British Royal Family
Ever thought you had the British Royal Family all figured out? Think again! From their powers and privileges to their personal lives, there are plenty of misconceptions floating around. Let’s dive into the myths and uncover the truths that might just surprise you. 21 Lies You’ve Been Told About the British Royal Family
18 Nations Tired of British Tourists
British tourists are known for their high spirits and adventurous nature, but not all countries appreciate their presence. Here’s a candid look at 18 countries where British tourists might not be as welcome as they think. 18 Nations Tired of British Tourists
The post Game, Set, Strike: How London’s Trams Could Impact Wimbledon first appeared on Swift Feed.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Meaning March.