London Underground strikes planned over spring dispute

London Underground strikes are set to take place across March, April and May. Drivers remain in dispute over proposed changes to working arrangements.

London Underground strikes and the RMT dispute

As reported by The Guardian, the industrial action will involve seven 24-hour strikes. Each strike will run from midday until 11.59am the following day. Meanwhile, the action is in opposition to plans by Transport for London (TfL). The plan would introduce a four-day working week for drivers. It would compress hours into four longer shifts. It would replace the current five-day pattern.

Planned strike dates

For example, the announced stoppages are spread across March, April and May:

• • March 24 to March 25 (12pm Tuesday to 11.59am Wednesday)
• • March 26 to March 27 (12pm Thursday to 11.59am Friday)
• • April 21 to April 22 (12pm Tuesday to 11.59am Wednesday)
• • April 23 to April 24 (12pm Thursday to 11.59am Friday)
• • May 19 to May 20 (12pm Tuesday to 11.59am Wednesday)
• • May 21 to May 22 (12pm Thursday to 11.59am Friday)

Union response

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union had raised concerns about the proposals for months. Also, he said it had been unable to reach an agreement with management.

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“London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members,” he said.

“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.”

TfL proposals for a four-day working week

TfL said the proposals would initially apply only to drivers on the Bakerloo line. In addition, it said the changes would be voluntary. As reported by ITV News, TfL said there would be no reduction in contractual hours. Drivers who wished to keep that pattern would be able to do so.

A spokesperson said: “We shared our proposal for a four-day working week with our trade unions last year and have been engaging with them on how best to implement the new working pattern.

“The changes will 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.”

At the same time, TfL said the changes would help improve reliability. It also said they would allow it to deploy drivers more flexibly without increasing costs.

Business concerns over Tube strike disruption

Business leaders have warned the disruption could impact London’s economy if the strikes go ahead. Separately, Muniya Barua, deputy chief executive at BusinessLDN, also commented.

Muniya Barua, deputy chief executive at BusinessLDN, said: “The prospect of further strikes over the coming months will be very frustrating for Londoners and visitors that rely on the Tube to get around the city.

“It will be particularly concerning for businesses that rely on people visiting in person, particularly sectors such as hospitality, retail and culture.

“We urge both sides to reach an agreement urgently and avoid these damaging strikes.”

Still, BusinessLDN said the strikes would be damaging for London businesses.

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