London Tube Drivers Announce Six 24-Hour Strikes Starting 21 April Over Working Hours

London Underground drivers, represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, are set to commence a series of six 24-hour strikes later this month. The industrial action stems from the union's opposition to proposed changes introducing a four-day working week with condensed hours.

The first strike is scheduled to begin at 11:59 BST on Tuesday, 21 April. This initial walkout is expected to result in the complete closure of the Piccadilly and Circle lines, with significant disruption anticipated across most other Tube services. The Metropolitan line will see no service between Baker Street and Aldgate, and Central line services will cease between White City and Liverpool Street.

RMT Cites Safety Concerns Over New Proposals

The RMT union has articulated concerns regarding extended shift lengths, working time arrangements, and the potential for increased driver fatigue, which it argues could compromise safety. The union has rejected a voluntary four-day week offer, instead advocating for a 32-hour, four-day week, which would reduce working hours by three per week for the same salary.

Transport for London (TfL) has characterised the strikes as "completely unnecessary." TfL stated that it is currently piloting a voluntary four-day week for drivers on the Bakerloo line to assess its viability. TfL maintains that drivers could opt to remain on a five-day week if preferred, and that the changes would not reduce contractual hours.

According to TfL, the proposals aim to "offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost."

Union general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that negotiations with TfL had failed, accusing the operator of refusing to make concessions to avert the strike. Approximately half of the network's drivers, specifically RMT members, are expected to participate, while members of the Aslef union, which accepted similar proposals, will work as usual. A separate bus strike on 24 April will also affect several routes operating from Bow bus garage.