The tube strikes are going ahead this week which is set to disrupt travel for commuters and visitors to the capital.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has said its members will walk out from 12pm for 24 hours on Tuesday and Thursday after accusing Transport for London (TfL) of imposing a new, four-day working week.
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.
‘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 said services will vary across lines and urged passengers to check before they travel.
Some bus routes in the capital operated by Stagecoach will be affected by a separate 24-hour strike from 5am on Friday.
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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London bus strike dates confirmed
Some of the Tube strikes will coincide with industrial action taken by Stagecoach Unite members working for TfL.
It will affect seven routes – 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25 and N205 – and severe delays and cancellations are expected over the next few days.
Bus strikes are planned on routes 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25 and N205 on the following dates:
- From 5am Friday, 17 April to 5am Saturday, 18 April
- From 5am Friday, 24 April to 5am Saturday, 25 April
- From 5am Friday, 15 May to 5am Saturday, 16 May
Why are there strikes on London Underground?
RMT members working as Tube drivers are in dispute with the London Underground management over the condensed four-day week.
Under the plan, which RMT says is being imposed, drivers would have to work full week’s hours in four days.
RMT’s general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the plan raises concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance.
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