London is bracing for another wave of industrial action this week as the dispute over plans to introduce a voluntary four-day working week for Tube drivers continues. Services on all London Underground lines will be disrupted from 12pm on Tuesday until Friday, following the breakdown of talks between the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Transport for London (TfL).
Strike Details and Impact
The RMT says TfL has not made any attempt to engage in negotiation meetings to resolve the dispute. Customers are likely to experience disruption across the entire Tube network during the strike period. TfL has described the strikes as disappointing and reiterated that drivers can choose to remain on a five-day working pattern if they do not wish to opt into the new arrangement.
TfL Statement
Claire Mann, chief operating officer for Transport for London, 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."
Mann added that a significant number of drivers have indicated they want TfL to progress plans for a pilot of the new working pattern on the Bakerloo line, which would deliver benefits for colleagues and customers. She urged the RMT to work with TfL to resolve the dispute, and advised passengers to check before they travel and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.
