Tube driver strikes are set to bring chaos to London this week after it was confirmed they will proceed following failed talks with union representatives. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members voted against a proposal to introduce a voluntary four-day week with condensed hours for Tube drivers.
Despite accepting a three-year pay deal as recently as November last year, the RMT has decided to stage a walkout of Underground train drivers from May 19 to 22. The Circle line, Piccadilly line, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street will see no service at all.
The 24-hour strikes will run from 12pm on Tuesday into Wednesday and again at the same times on Thursday to Friday. Hundreds of thousands of commuters will have to walk, cycle or take buses to work and back, causing chaos on London's streets. Businesses will also be hit hard, as they were during last month's Tube strikes, which were backed by Zack Polanski's Green Party. Pub chains previously reported one of their 'lowest trading days to date' and hospitality firms were told bookings could fall by up to two-thirds.
Not all train drivers agree with the objection to the voluntary four-day week—which Transport for London (TfL) says is 'designed to improve work-life balance'—and will be turning up to work as normal. The Aslef train drivers' union is in direct opposition to the RMT and accepted the proposals, labelling them 'exactly the sort of deal every trade union should be trying to achieve'. The union pointed out that the proposal would give drivers an extra 35 days off a year 'in return for some fairly minor changes to working conditions'.
'It will be the first strike in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people having a shorter working week and more time off,' an Aslef spokesperson told the BBC. TfL's Chief Operating Officer Claire Mann said: 'It is disappointing that the RMT is planning this strike action despite our best efforts to resolve this dispute.'
'We have been clear that our proposals for a four-day week are designed to improve work-life balance and are entirely voluntary. Any Tube driver who doesn't wish to opt in to the new, four-day working pattern and associated changes to working arrangements can remain on a five-day working pattern. We have also said many times in discussions that we believe the majority of the issues that have been raised would be resolved with more detailed work.'
TfL warned other rail options still running will face disruption and likely be very busy. Buses are also set to be packed due to the strikes. Rental e-bikes blocking pavements have long been a contentious issue in London and will soar due to the strikes. Mann said a significant number of drivers on the Bakerloo line supported the four-day week and urged the RMT to work with the transport provider while warning passengers to allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.
An RMT spokesperson said: 'Despite promises of talks, TfL has not made any attempt to engage in negotiation meetings to resolve this dispute. London Underground is still pushing implementation plans through a forum that excludes senior managers and union officials, instead of engaging in proper negotiations. Our strike action remains on as we continue to seek a negotiated settlement.'
