London Underground strikes set for 21 and 23 April

London Underground strikes are set to cause significant disruption next week. Tube drivers have confirmed two 24-hour stoppages. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Why the London Underground strikes are happening?

Drivers represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are due to strike from midday on Tuesday 21 April. They are due to strike again from midday on Thursday 23 April, as Railway Supply notes. Each walkout lasts until 12 noon the following day. TfL has warned that disruption is likely to continue into the afternoon and evening on strike days.

The dispute centres on the union’s accusation that TfL is attempting to impose a new four-day working week. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations, as reported by AOL.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Don’t miss…ScotRail Carstairs disruption leaves buses replacing trains

TfL advice and wider London travel disruption

Meanwhile, TfL has told passengers to check before they travel, according to TfL. Service levels will vary by line. 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.”

Separately, the wider disruption may not end with the Tube action. Some Stagecoach-operated bus routes in London are also facing a separate 24-hour strike. It starts at 5am on Friday 24 April.

TfL has previously said it expects some services on most lines. It also warned of significant disruption. It also said other normally operating TfL services are likely to be very busy. That includes the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground and trams.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: