Tube strikes: Londoners warned to brace for travel disruption as drivers confirm walkout
London Underground drivers will stage a strike next week, threatening significant travel disruptions for passengers and visitors in the capital.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have confirmed that they will stand off work for 24 hours from midday on Tuesday, April 21, and again for 24 hours on Thursday, April 23.
All strikes will run from 12 noon to 12 noon the next day, but TfL warns disruption will continue into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.
The union accused Transport for London (TfL) of trying to implement a new four-day working week.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey expressed disappointment that negotiations had stalled.
“We have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process, but despite our best efforts TfL appears unwilling to make any concessions to prevent strike action,” he said.
“This is extremely disappointing and surprising to our negotiators. TfL’s approach is not one that will lead to industrial peace and will infuriate our members who want to see a negotiated solution to this avoidable dispute.”
In response, TfL advised passengers to check services before travelling, stating that availability will vary between lines.
TfL chief operating officer Claire Mann said: “We have submitted proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.
“This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst also aligning the London Underground with the operating models of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
“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.”
In addition to potential travel problems, some bus routes operated by Stagecoach in London will also face a separate 24-hour strike from 5am on Friday, April 24.
TfL has previously said it expects some services on most lines but there will be significant disruption and all other TfL services operating normally, such as the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground and trams, are likely to be very busy.
