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Two upcoming 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers are set to take place on Tuesday and Thursday after negotiations aimed at preventing the industrial action failed. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members plan to walk out in protest against Transport for London’s (TfL) proposed introduction of a voluntary four-day working week. This development follows a breakdown in talks between the parties.
The dispute centers on TfL’s plan to offer drivers the option to work a four-day week, which would involve slightly longer shifts but result in fewer total hours worked weekly and overall. While members of the Aslef union have agreed to this arrangement, the RMT union remains opposed, citing concerns about extended working hours and the resulting driver fatigue. Despite last-ditch efforts, the RMT said TfL did not provide sufficient assurances regarding these safety-critical issues, prompting the union to proceed with strike action.
The strike is due to commence at 00:01 BST on Tuesday, with only limited Tube services expected between 06:30 and 21:00. Disruptions will be significant: the Circle and Piccadilly lines will be fully shut down, and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines will be suspended. Meanwhile, bus services, the London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR, and tram services will continue but are predicted to be much busier than usual. There may also be lingering effects causing some disruption on the mornings of June 3rd and 5th.
Following Monday’s talks facilitated by the conciliation service Acas, an RMT representative expressed disappointment at TfL’s response, stating, “Despite our best efforts in Acas talks, TfL have failed to provide assurances on our members deeply held concerns around fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role like tube driving. We remain available for meaningful talks, but strike action tomorrow will now go ahead.” A TfL spokesperson described the decision as “bitterly disappointing,” emphasizing that the proposal for the four-day workweek is voluntary and affirming efforts to maintain as much service as possible during the strikes
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