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Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have announced six days of strike action on the London Underground, with walkouts planned for March, April, and May.
Train drivers will strike on two days each month, starting with the first stoppage at midday on March 24. This action is likely to cause significant disruption for London commuters and major events, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women at the Emirates Stadium, where more than 30,000 fans are expected to attend.
The dispute centres on Transport for London’s proposals to introduce a four-day working week for drivers, which would require longer daily shifts.
While many drivers in the rival Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen union support this idea, RMT members oppose the plan and have strongly voted in favour of strike action.
These staggered strikes are expected to cause major disruption across the Tube network; however, a complete shutdown is unlikely as some station staff and other workers will not participate in the walkouts.
Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary, said: “London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.
We are clear that these proposals raise serious concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance.
“Despite our best efforts over many months, no satisfactory outcome has been reached so we have no choice but to call strike dates.
“There is still time for London Underground to come up with a workable solution but we will take strike action if we cannot get a negotiated settlement.”
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