Tube drivers to strike: Militant RMT union announces series of 24-hour walkouts in row over four-day weeks
London Underground drivers will stage a series of 24-hour strikes over the next few months as a ‘compressed’ four-day working week is introduced.
Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) members will strike at noon on 24 and 26 March, 21 and 23 April and 19 and 21 May.
The RMT union said the strikes followed ‘concerns about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements, transfer and allocation processes and the potential impact on fatigue and safety’.
The union said about 1,800 of its members were involved in a dispute over introducing a compressed four-day working week, with drivers rejecting the proposals in a referendum.
The militant union has tried to bring London to a standstill for the second time in the last six months.
Metro drivers staged a series of strikes last September; this was the first full-stage strike over pay and conditions since 2023.
Plans for a four-day working week have been welcomed by rival union Aslef, which sees it as ‘the biggest improvement in working conditions for Underground train drivers in decades’.
But the RMT told its members the four-day week would mean ‘longer, more extreme shifts’, more weekend work and ‘hell for new and young drivers’.
London Underground drivers will stage a series of 24-hour strikes over the next few months as the four-day working week is introduced, the RMT union has announced.
The militant union has tried to bring London to a standstill for the second time in the last six months. Picture: Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘London Underground is seeking major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.
‘We recognize that these proposals raise serious concerns about fatigue, safety and work-life balance.
‘Despite our best efforts over many months we have not been able to achieve a satisfactory outcome, so we have no choice but to announce strike dates.
‘There is still time for London Underground to find a workable solution, but if we cannot reach a negotiated solution we will go on strike.’
RMT members voted in favor of industrial action last month after discussions to resolve the issue appeared to have ground to a halt.
The planned strikes will take place on 24-25 March (Tuesday 12:00 – Wednesday 11:59), 26-27 March (Thursday 12:00 – 11:59 Friday), 21-22 April (Tuesday 12:00 – Wednesday 11:59), 23-24 April (Thursday 12:00 – Friday 11:59), 19-20 May. (Tuesday 12:00 to Wednesday 11:59), 21-22 May (Thursday 12:00 to Friday 11:59).
Union members were also advised not to use any company-issued electronic devices, including iPads, from March 21 until further notice.
The Daily Mail has approached Transport for London (TfL) for comment.
TfL previously said it had shared its proposals for a four-day working week with unions last year and plans to implement the new working model on the Bakerloo line.
A spokesman said: ‘The changes will be voluntary, there will be no reduction in contract hours and those who wish to continue the five-day working week will be able to do so.
‘These changes will allow us to increase reliability, improve our ability to distribute our drivers flexibly and provide a modern and efficient service at no additional cost.’
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