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.'
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, confirmed the proposal for a four-day working week, saying it would allow train operators an additional day off while bringing London Underground in line with other train operating companies. She stressed the changes would be voluntary with no reduction in contractual hours.
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. Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will be running normally on strike days, but are likely to be very busy.
