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The RMT's Tube strike was showing signs of crumbling today as more trains ran and picket lines were almost deserted.
Out of 10,000 members of the union only a handful bothered to show their support on the picket line.
Even Bob Crow, leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, did not to turn up for picket line duty today.
An official picket outside Transport for London's offices in Smith Square in Westminster was empty as well as at Tube stations at Lambeth North, Warren Street, Acton and Harrow-on-the-hill.
Edgware Road and Baker Street stations were slightly busier with fewer than six RMT members at each.
One woman, a member of trade union Unite, turned up at the picket line outside TfL's offices this morning to show support for the RMT, only to leave shortly afterwards when she discovered they were not turning up.
She said: "I turned up to show my support but there is no one here."
Mayor Boris Johnson said the number of trains running showed the lack of support for the strike.
He paid tribute to staff who had crossed picket lines to go to work as well as to the number of Londoners who had used crowded buses and trains to keep London operating.
He said it showed a weakness in RMT's case and criticised Mr Crow for "moving the goal posts".
Mr Johnson said: "I do apologise for the trouble that has taken place and I think it is very sad, but I urge the RMT to come to their senses and to do the right thing and call off the strike.
"The people in London have shown fantastic resolve by going to work in such fantastic numbers.
"This is a testament to the weakness and fragility of the strike. The RMT have greatly undermined themselves by this action."
The strike is due to end at 7pm tonight but the disruption will only finally cease tomorrow morning.
Mr Crow and Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy had talks by phone at midnight to open the way to a deal.
The union leader accuses management of "threatening to tear up an agreement aimed at safeguarding jobs".
Talks between union bosses and LU are expected to take place later today under Acas, the conciliation service.
Reader views (2)
RMT members can't be bothered to vote for strike action and now they can't be bothered to picket. No wonder Tfl can't be bothered to give them an above inflation pay rise.
- Bob, London, 11/06/2009 15:06
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The members know a Tory mayor won't give in to their blackmail the way Ken Livingstone would have. Crow hasn't worked that out yet but he will.
- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent, 11/06/2009 11:32
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