Tube drivers to stage series of 24-hour strikes

London Underground (LU) bosses are pushing ahead with a plan to compress a normal working week into four days despite the proposals being rejected by a majority of Train Operators in e-referendums, the union said.

It added that members have concerns about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements, transfer and allocation processes, and the potential impact on fatigue and safety.

Union representatives have attempted to resolve the situation over several months but the RMT claims the LU has refused to negotiate.

It slammed the LU for "pushing ahead with the unpopular plan without an agreement with RMT."

Aound 1,800 of the union's members were involved in the dispute over the introduction of a compressed four-day working week, it said.

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The strikes will take place on the following days:

• 24–25 March (12:00pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday)
• 26–27 March (12:00pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday)
• 21–22 April (12:00pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday)
• 23–24 April (12:00pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday)
• 19–20 May (12:00pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday)* 21–22 May (12:00pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday)

RMT members have also reportedly been told not to use any company-issued electronic devices, including iPads, from 21 March until further notice.

Eddie Dempsey, RMT General Secretary, said: “London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.

"We are clear that these proposals raise serious concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance.

"Despite our best efforts over many months, no satisfactory outcome has been reached so we have no choice but to call strike dates.

"There is still time for London Underground to come up with a workable solution but we will take strike action if we cannot get a negotiated settlement."

A Transport for London spokesperson said: “We shared our proposal for a four-day working week with our trade unions last year. Since then, we have been engaging with them on how best to implement the new working pattern. We have started talking with our unions about how to implement a four-day working week for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only. 

"These threatened strikes are completely unnecessary and will have a serious impact on London’s businesses and commuters and we urge them to call off this action. The changes would be voluntary, there will be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern will be able to do so.

"These changes will help us to improve reliability, improve our ability to flexibly deploy our drivers and enable us to offer a modern and efficient service while creating no additional cost.”