Tube electricians stage walkout

Electricians who maintain the Tube network after hours are on a 36-hour strike in a row over pay.

The staff, who are employed by EDF Energy Powerlink, went on strike at 2000 GMT on Sunday. They plan to stage a second walkout on 7 December.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said its workers were seeking job parity with electricians on day shifts.

Transport for London (TfL) said services would run as normal throughout the strike.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said workers were seeking a £3,000 pay rise for agreeing to greater shift flexibility - an allowance that day electricians are currently receiving.

He said shift workers had changed from 10-hour days and 14-hour nights to a new system of 12-hour shifts.

A spokesman for EDF Energy Powerlink said 26 of its employees were balloted and would ensure services "operate normally".

A TfL spokesman said: "[The strike] is a matter for EDF Energy Powerlink and Tube services will run as normal."

The electricians are responsible for finding and fixing faults on more than 250 London Underground power sub-stations and for maintaining supply.