Tube drivers announce series of strikes over four-day week dispute

London Underground drivers who are members of the RMT union have announced a series of 24-hour strikes later this month, in a dispute over plans to introduce a condensed four-day working week.

The first strike is scheduled to take place from midday on 24 March until 11:59 on 25 March, with further action planned across the spring if the dispute is not resolved.

Planned strike dates

The RMT has confirmed the following strike periods:

• 24–25 March (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)

• 26–27 March (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)

• 21–22 April (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)

• 23–24 April (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)

• 19–20 May (12:00 Tuesday – 11:59 Wednesday)

• 21–22 May (12:00 Thursday – 11:59 Friday)

The union says the industrial action follows a ballot in which members supported strike action over proposed changes to working arrangements.

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said the dispute centres on attempts to introduce a compressed working week that has already been rejected by drivers.

“London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members,” he said.

The union has raised concerns about longer shifts, fatigue risks and working time arrangements, arguing the proposals could impact safety and working conditions.

TfL says action is unnecessary

Transport for London (TfL) has criticised the planned strikes, calling them “completely unnecessary” and insisting the proposal is still under discussion with unions.

A TfL spokesperson said the organisation has been engaging with unions on how to introduce a voluntary four-day week for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

TfL said the changes would be optional and would not reduce drivers’ contractual hours, meaning staff could remain on their existing five-day schedules if they preferred.

According to the transport authority, the proposal is intended to improve operational flexibility and service reliability without increasing costs.

“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,” the spokesperson added.

Disruption expected

TfL warned the strikes could cause significant disruption to commuters and businesses across London, similar to the impact seen during the last Tube drivers’ strike in September, which led to widespread service reductions and increased demand on alternative transport options such as buses, the Elizabeth line, and cycling routes.

Dempsey said the union remains open to negotiations but warned strike action would proceed if a settlement cannot be reached.

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

“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.”