It’s looking likely that there won’t be a last-minute cancellation of this week’s tube strikes after the RMT union accused TfL of a U-turn on the negotiations.
The RMT union says that Transport for London (TfL) had offered to negotiate on all elements of the proposals for a four-day working week. The union wants a four-day work week with roughly the same hours per shift, so a net reduction in working hours. TfL’s position was for a cost-neutral change, so a reduction in the number of shifts worked per week would result in shift hours being extended.
TfL says it put forward a proposal to its trade unions for a four-day working week for train operators in March 2025, similar to the working patterns offered by most other train operating companies. Since then, TfL has been engaging with the unions on how best to introduce the new working pattern, including a pilot for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only. TfL says that the changes to working patterns would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue working a five-day week pattern would be able to do so.
The RMT says that it has now been informed by TfL that it will impose its planned four-day week shift change.
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.”
According to TfL, if the strike goes ahead, then disruption is expected to be widespread across the London Underground.
The strikes will kick in from lunchtime on Tuesday and Thursday, with disruption expected before and after as well.
During the strike:
No service is expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines.
No service is expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate.
No service is expected on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street
Any services that do run will be less frequent, very busy, and you may not be able to board the first train
Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, Trams and most bus routes will be running as normal but are expected to be very busy.
Tuesday 21st April
Morning – normal services expected until mid-morning
Late morning – some disruption as services start to reduce ahead of strike action starting
After midday – significant disruption is expected on all lines
Wednesday 22nd April
Morning – significant disruption expected on all lines
After midday – continued disruption throughout the afternoon and evening as they return the service to normal
Evening – normal service
Thursday 23rd April
Morning – normal services expected until mid-morning
Late morning – some disruption as services start to reduce ahead of strike action starting
After midday – significant disruption is expected on all lines
Friday 24th April
Morning – significant disruption expected on all lines
After midday – continued disruption throughout the afternoon and evening as they return the service to normal
Evening – normal service
In addition, on Friday 24th April, a strike will affect a few bus routes in East London. Roads are also expected to be busier during this time.