RMT announces eight Tube strikes from November to February

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 6 Nov, 16:08 · Archive

London Underground drivers will strike on eight days between November and February in a dispute over proposed changes to working arrangements.

London Underground drivers will stage eight 24-hour strikes beginning at noon on November 26, December 17 and 19, January 4 and 6, and February 17, 23 and 25, the RMT union announced on Friday. The walkouts are part of a continuing dispute with Transport for London over proposed changes to drivers' working arrangements.

The dispute centres on TfL's proposal to introduce a four-day working week. TfL says the scheme would remain voluntary, allowing drivers to opt for either a four-day or five-day week, with the same new terms and conditions applying regardless of which option they choose. TfL also says drivers choosing the five-day option would have a guarantee of remaining at the same depot.

The RMT rejects this characterisation. General secretary Eddie Dempsey said the scheme forces drivers to surrender existing protections, spend more time driving trains, accept longer and more unpredictable shifts, and face earlier starts and later finishes. He said the proposal threatens drivers who refuse with displacement from their depots. The union claims this represents a 'wholesale attack on drivers' working conditions' rather than a genuine improvement to work-life balance.

Only RMT members would participate in the strikes, roughly half of the network's total drivers. The Aslef union, which represents the other half, has backed the proposed new working arrangements. During June's strikes, TfL did not run the Circle and Waterloo and City lines, and Tube journeys fell by 40%, with bus usage up 4% and cycling up 22%.

TfL and the RMT have been in talks for months over the proposal. The RMT said TfL presented final proposals a few weeks ago but the deadlock remains unresolved despite being fully backed by Aslef.

How it is being reported

• What is Tube strike dispute between TfL and RMT? Why are drivers striking again?Another Tube strike has been announced that is set to cause Christmas chaos if they go aheadMyLondon · 6 Nov, 15:38
• Eight new Tube strike dates from November to February set - here’s what to expectEight new London Underground strike dates have been announced - here is a breakdown on what to expect.This Is Local London · 6 Nov, 12:14
• London Tube strikes: What you need to knowRMT union members oppose the voluntary introduction of a four-day working week with condensed hours.BBC London · 6 Nov, 11:30
• New 24-hour Tube strike dates announced that are set to continue onto new yearLondon Underground drivers will be staging a series of 24-hour strikes.This Is Local London · 6 Nov, 11:00
• Tube strikes shock for London as RMT announces string of 24-hour walkoutsLondon Underground drivers are to stage a series of 24-hour strikes in the next few months in a dispute over working arrangements, the RMT union announced on Friday.Evening Standard · 6 Nov, 10:50

In this story: RMT · Transport for London · London Underground · Aslef · Eddie Dempsey · London

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log