The RMT union has called 12 days of 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. Strikes had initially been scheduled for 24th & 25th March and 26th & 27th March but these have now been cancelled after progress with talks, with new dates added for June instead.
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?
RMT members will be striking for six 24-hour periods across April, May and June. The dates are as follows:
- 21st – 22nd April (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)
- 23rd – 24th April (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)
- 19th – 20th May (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)
- 21st – 22nd May (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)
- 16th – 17th June (12:00 Tuesday to 11.59 Wednesday)
- 18th – 19th June (12:00 Thursday to 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.”
