Author: Batrak Oleksandr — Editor-in-Chief at Railway Supply

A London Underground drivers strike is due next week. TfL said service levels will vary across lines. The strike threatens disruption for commuters and visitors across the capital. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

London Underground strike to disrupt services next week
Strikes by London Underground drivers will go ahead next week, threatening travel chaos for commuters and visitors to the capital. Picture: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

London Underground drivers strike dates and dispute

The RMT said its members will stop work for 24 hours on Tuesday April 21. The stoppage will begin at 12 noon. It said they will walk out again on Thursday April 23. That action will also begin at 12 noon. The union says the dispute centres on TfL plans for a new four-day working week. That dispute was also reported by Railway Supply.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process, but despite our best efforts, TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions in a bid to avert strike action.

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“This is extremely disappointing and has baffled our negotiators.

“The approach of TfL is not one which leads to industrial peace and will infuriate our members who want to see a negotiated settlement to this avoidable dispute.”

TfL response and wider transport disruption

Meanwhile, TfL said service levels will differ from line to line. It advised passengers to check their journeys before setting out.

Separately, some London bus routes run by Stagecoach are also expected to be affected. The strike is scheduled to begin at 5am on Friday April 24. It will last 24 hours.

Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.

“This allows us 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.

“The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so.”

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