London Tube Strikes: What you Need to Know
A series of six 24-hour strikes by drivers on the London Underground has been announced, with the walkouts starting later this month. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union voted to oppose the introduction of a four-day working week with condensed hours.
The BBC is reporting that the first strike is to take place on 24-25 March, although it is unlikely to result in a total shutdown. The union said it was concerned about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements and the possible impact of fatigue on safety.
Transport for London (TfL) described the strikes as “completely unnecessary” and said it was currently trialling a voluntary four-day week for drivers on the Bakerloo line.
Members of the RMT union have announced strikes on:
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24–25 March (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)
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26–27 March (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)
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21–22 April (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)
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23–24 April (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)
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19–20 May (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)
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21–22 May (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)
RMT members account for about half the total number of drivers on the network.
Members of the Aslef union have accepted the terms of the offer and will not take part in the strike.
TfL said it was currently unclear how widespread the disruption would be and how many lines would be affected.
TfL said it was offering drivers the chance for a better work-life balance by allowing them to work a four-day week. Under the offer, most drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours. Their contractual hours would remain the same because paid meal breaks would be introduced. This effectively means drivers would work longer days, but fewer days each week and fewer overall hours each week.
The arrangement is currently being trialled on the Bakerloo line on a voluntary basis to test its viability.
The sticking point for RMT members is the length of the working day. The union wants a 32-hour week over four days, meaning drivers would work a total of three hours less each week for the same salary.
Eddie Dempsey, the RMT union’s general secretary, said London Underground was trying to “force through major changes to working patterns” that had already been rejected by members.
“We are clear that these proposals raise serious concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance. Despite our best efforts over many months, no satisfactory outcome has been reached so we have no choice but to call strike dates,” Dempsey said.
TfL said drivers could remain on a five-day week if they wanted to.
“These changes will help us to improve reliability, improve our ability to flexibly deploy our drivers and enable us to offer a modern and efficient service while creating no additional cost,” a spokesperson said.
The transport body said the planned strikes could have a “serious impact” on businesses and commuters and urged the RMT to call them off.
London Underground drivers last went on strike in September in a dispute over pay and conditions and the industrial action caused severe disruption across the capital’s transport network.