London Underground train drivers will launch a series of 24-hour strikes this spring in a dispute with Transport for London (TfL) over changes to working patterns.
RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) union has announced that its members will stop work on several dates in March, April, and May in protest against the operator’s plan to introduce a four-day working week for train drivers.
Six strikes planned on the London Underground
The strikes are scheduled as follows: Each industrial action will last 24 hours, starting at 12:00 noon.
- March 24–25
- March 26–27
- April 21–22
- April 23–24
- May 19–20
- May 21–22
The RMT union argues that the plan could lead to longer shifts, problems with scheduling, and risks of fatigue that could affect traffic safety.
“London Underground is trying to impose major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members,” said Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT.
Dispute between unions
The RMT has around 1,800 members among train drivers, representing around 40–50% of London Underground’s driving staff.
The situation is all the more unusual given that another drivers’ union, ASLEF, supports the introduction of a four-day working week, believing it could give employees more days off.
The operator says the plan is voluntary
The operator, Transport for London, has said that the four-day working week proposal would only apply to the Bakerloo line and would be voluntary.
According to the company, drivers could choose to keep the current five-day working week, with no change to the total number of hours worked.
TfL has described the strikes as “completely unnecessary” and warned that they could have a significant impact on commuters and businesses in the British capital.
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