London railway strikes bring trains to standstill and picket lines to stations for 2nd day

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Railway strikes hit London, England’s transportation network for the second day on Thursday as union bosses, train operating firms and the government faced off over demands that workers' pay increases keep pace with surging inflation.

Unions formed picket lines around rail stations and warned of more action unless a deal can be reached to improve pay and working conditions.

A spike in the cost of food and fuel is pushing many household budgets to the brink and is driving trade unions to demand higher pay increases for their members. The government has urged wage restraint to avoid an inflationary spiral.

Although talks are ongoing, a third day of strikes is planned for Saturday. Other industries are also moving towards industrial action in what unions say could be a "summer of discontent".

The government has criticized the strikes, calling them counterproductive and most damaging for those on low incomes who depend on public transport and are unable to work from home.