A 24-hour strike by personnel at London subway stations has hit part of the city's transport system, complicating plans by revelers to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Subway workers walked off the job at noon local time Saturday, forcing the closing of more than 20 of 275 stations. Union officials say the strikers are protesting new staff assignment and work schedules they say will undermine the safety of the traveling public.
Managers are expressing hope that many trains will still run, but have warned travelers to check with transport officials before leaving home to determine which lines are operating
The subway system had planned to offer free transport to all travelers from 11:45 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 4:30 a.m. Sunday to help revelers get home safely.
The union has called another 24-hour strike for January 8 and 9.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.