London is set to face significant disruption this week as RMT union members stage two 24-hour strikes on Tuesday, June 2 and Thursday, June 4. The walkouts follow failed talks at Acas between the union and Transport for London (TfL) over proposed changes to working conditions, including a four-day week.
An RMT spokesperson said: "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." TfL expressed disappointment, stating it had offered repeated assurances that the four-day week would remain voluntary.
Services will be limited on strike days, with no service on the Circle, Piccadilly, and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines. Other lines will run reduced services, and passengers are advised to complete journeys by 9pm. The Elizabeth line, tram, Overground, and DLR will operate normally but may be busier.
The RMT's position has been undermined by the Aslef drivers' union, which backed the TfL deal. Aslef district organiser Finn Brennan described the four-day week as "the biggest improvement in working conditions for Underground train drivers in decades," citing reduced hours and better work-life balance.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden criticised the RMT, saying: "The RMT are once again holding Londoners to ransom with militant strike action that will cause yet more misery for millions." TfL urged passengers to plan journeys using the TfL Go app or website.
