Get you up to speed: Londoners prepare for further travel disruption as tube drivers plan another strike
Tube drivers from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) plan multiple 24-hour strikes in response to proposed changes to working hours by London Underground.
Transport for London has urged the RMT to reconsider strike plans, citing significant disruptions for businesses and commuters on the proposed strike dates of March 24 and 26.
Tube drivers from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) plan 24-hour strikes starting on March 24 due to rejected proposals for a compressed work week.
What we know so far
Tube drivers in London are set to stage a series of 24-hour strikes, marking a significant escalation in a dispute over working hours. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) plan to walk out at midday on March 24 and 26, April 21 and 23, and May 19 and 21.
The dispute involves approximately 1,800 RMT members who have rejected proposals for a compressed four-day working week, citing concerns over shift lengths and the potential impact on fatigue and safety. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated, “London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.”
Transport for London has responded, describing the proposed changes as voluntary and asserting that they will not reduce contractual hours. A spokesperson urged the RMT to reconsider its planned strikes, warning that the disruptions would have a serious impact on London’s businesses and commuters. Discussions about implementing the four-day working week for train drivers on the Bakerloo line are ongoing.
Previously, strikes in September resulted in long bus queues and increased pressure on public transport services, prompting warnings from hospitals for patients to allow more time for their journeys.
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Londoners brace for more travel chaos with tube drivers to strike again | News UK
Tube drivers will unleash a wave of 24-hour strikes in a fresh dispute over hours.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out at midday on March 24 and 26, April 21 and 23 and May 19 and 21.
The union said around 1,800 of its members were involved in the dispute over the introduction of a compressed four-day working week.
Drivers had rejected the proposals in a referendum, said the RMT, amid concerns about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements and the potential impact on fatigue and safety.
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.
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‘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.’
A Transport for London 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.’
In September’s strikes last year, bus queues stretched to hundreds of people long with even vomit pictured smeared on windows.
‘When I have told people the bus is too full, or the journey has been diverted, they have punched the protective screen or spat at me,’ one driver told England News.
‘The strikes are such an intense time for everyone, but we bear the brunt of it.’
Hospitals also warned patients to leave more time for their journeys, or to cancel their appointment in advance if they won’t be able to make it.