London Underground drivers are set to stage strikes this week, threatening significant travel disruption for commuters and visitors across the capital.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will walk out for 24 hours from 12pm on both Tuesday and Thursday.
The union confirmed the industrial action, accusing Transport for London (TfL) of attempting to impose a new four-day working week. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey expressed frustration, stating: “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.”
Mr Dempsey added: “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 advised passengers that services would vary across lines and urged them to check before travelling. Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, addressed the union’s claims, confirming: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.”
She elaborated on the rationale behind the proposal: “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 capital’s transport woes, some bus routes operated by Stagecoach will also face disruption due to a separate 24-hour strike commencing at 5am on Friday.
TfL says strikes will affect the whole Tube network, but a reduced service will still run on most lines with significant disruption.
However, there will be no service on the:
- Piccadilly and Circle lines
- Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate
- Central line between White City and Liverpool Street
Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will be running normally on strike days, but are likely to be very busy.
