The RMT union has called industrial action for this spring
There haven’t been any strikes on the capital’s rail network since for many months but that looks set to change this spring as the RMT (the Rail, Maritime and Transport union) has ordered walkouts across April, May and June. The union is striking over the introduction of a compressed four-day working week for tube drivers, which they say will impact the fatigue, safety and work-life balance of the drivers.
Speaking about the action, RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said, “Through our show of industrial strength and unity, we have forced management into a position where they are now willing to seriously engage with the issues our members want addressing.
“Further talks will take place and the dispute remains live.”
When are the next Tube strikes in London?
Following two 24-hour strikes in April, RMT members had planned to strike for four 24-hour periods across May and June, including the 19th – 20th and 21st – 22nd May. The May strikes have been called off, with the RMT saying “at the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position allowing us to further explore our members concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues”.
The planned strike dates for mid-June have now also been cancelled, with two new June dates announced. They are:
- 2nd – 3rd June (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)
- 4th – 5th June (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)
We don’t yet know which Tube lines, will be affected by the strike action yet and there is still time for the strikes to be called off.
Commenting on the industrial action, a TfL spokesperson said: “We shared our proposal for a four-day working week with our trade unions last year. Since then, we have been engaging with them on how best to implement the new working pattern.
“We have started talking with our unions about how to implement a four-day working week for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only.
“These threatened strikes are completely unnecessary and will have a serious impact on London’s businesses and commuters and we urge them to call off this action.
“The changes would be voluntary, there will be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern will be able to do so.
“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.”
