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London Underground is facing another series of strikes as drivers protest against the proposed voluntary introduction of a four-day working week with condensed hours. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members have voted against these changes, criticizing Transport for London (TfL) for failing to engage in meaningful negotiation efforts to settle the dispute.
The planned strike action begins at midday on Tuesday, with TfL expressing disappointment over the decision. The transport authority emphasized that drivers can continue with their existing five-day work schedule if they prefer. However, the disruption caused by the strikes will affect multiple lines, including no service expected on the Circle and Piccadilly lines, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street. A second 24-hour strike is set to start at noon on Thursday, extending the impact into Friday.
An RMT spokesperson condemned TfL’s approach, stating that despite assurances of talks, the organization has not attempted to negotiate directly. Instead, London Underground has been pushing the plans through a forum that excludes both senior managers and union representatives. The union insists that their strike action remains active as they continue to pursue a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Aslef union has agreed to the voluntary compressed four-day week, highlighting that participating drivers would gain an additional 35 days off annually for only minor adjustments to their working conditions. An Aslef spokesperson remarked, “It will be the first strike in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people having a shorter working week and more time off.” TfL’s chief operating officer, Claire Mann, expressed regret over the strike, affirming that the four-day week proposal aims to enhance work-life balance and is voluntary. She reiterated that any Tube driver unwilling to switch to the new pattern can continue working a five-day schedule
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