London Underground drivers are set to stage strikes next week, threatening significant travel disruption for commuters and visitors across the capital.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have confirmed they will walk out for 24 hours from midday on Tuesday, 21 April, and again on Thursday, 23 April.
All strikes run from 12noon to 12noon the following day, but Transport for London (TfL) warns that disruption will continue into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.
The union has accused TfL of attempting to impose a new four-day working week.
The RMT general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations.
“We have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process, but despite our best efforts, TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions in a bid to avert strike action,” he said.
“This is extremely disappointing and has baffled our negotiators. The approach of TfL is not one which leads to industrial peace and will infuriate our members who want to see a negotiated settlement to this avoidable dispute.”
In response, TfL has advised passengers to check services before travelling, noting that availability will vary across lines.
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.
“This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
“The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so.”
Adding to the potential travel woes, some Stagecoach-operated bus routes in London will also face a separate 24-hour strike from 5am on Friday 24 April.
TfL earlier said it expects there to be some services on most lines, but with significant disruption, and all other normally-operating TfL services like the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and trams are likely to be very busy.
