Maintenance workers from London's Underground decided to go on a 72-hour strike, causing chaos in the British capital during the rush hours.

People trying to get to work or tourists were forced to use alternative means of transport, the surface transport suffering disruptions due to overcrowding and traffic jams. Millions of commuters had to use buses or taxis in London after traffic on ten of the 12 lines was crippled.

About 2,300 members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) went on strike at 1700 GMT Monday. The workers are worried about their pensions and jobs after the financial collapse of their employer Metronet.

Metronet is responsible for the maintenance of nine Tube (London Underground) lines, but the company collapsed in July and went into administration. Employees are worried they could lose their jobs or their pensions will be slashed, therefore decided to go on strike until sturdy assurances are given.

As a consequence, only two lines are still operational, Northern, Jubilee, while a third one, Piccadilly, has been partially suspended because of the walkout.

The Transport for London said, “The disruption across the network last night was severe and totally unacceptable. Unfortunately we expect the RMT's action to have a similar impact on this morning's (Tuesday’s) services.”

London’s Mayor Ken Livingstone assured the workers will not “suffer any loss of pension, employment or be transferred” and “would not lose a penny of their pensions.” He urged the workers to remain on their posts and do not disrupt the lives of millions.

“This strike is one of the most purposeless ever called,” the mayor said. “All of the issues raised have been settled.”

Aside from the people’s discomfort, London’s economy and the tourism sector are expected to suffer major losses of millions of euros due to this protest action that will last until Thursday evening.