London is facing disruptions this week due to strikes impacting several Tube lines. The industrial action commenced at midday on Tuesday, with RMT train drivers alleging that Transport for London (TfL) is enforcing a new four-day work schedule.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced that its members will strike for 24 hours on Tuesday and Thursday starting at 12pm. RMT voiced concerns that TfL’s proposed changes could compress the workweek and potentially compromise safety. Commuters are advised to expect disruptions on all lines post-midday today.
During the strikes, there will be no service on the Piccadilly and Circle lines, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
TfL assured that the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will operate as usual on strike days, but they are expected to be exceptionally crowded.
According to TfL, the majority of buses will run normally during the strikes, except for 7 Stagecoach-operated routes affected by a separate strike from 5am on Friday, April 24, to 5am on Saturday, April 25. Other bus services will run without disruption.
The Tube lines without service during the strikes include sections of the Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City lines. Further strike actions are planned for the following day.
Additionally, specific bus routes will experience disruptions due to a separate strike. While the majority of buses will operate normally, seven Stagecoach-operated routes, including services 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25, and N205, will be affected. TfL mentioned that routes 25 and 425 are expected to run nearly normally, while the N8 will operate on a reduced route between Hainault and Liverpool Street. Other affected routes may face severe delays and cancellations.
Union leaders expressed concerns about the upcoming strikes, noting that although the workweek would be shorter in terms of days, longer shifts could increase driver fatigue. They raised apprehensions about potential changes allowing extended driving times, altered shift schedules with minimal notice, and reduced flexibility for drivers to transfer between depots. TfL criticized the strikes as unnecessary and revealed ongoing trials of a voluntary four-day work schedule for Bakerloo Line drivers.
TfL’s chief operating officer, Claire Mann, explained, “We have proposed a four-day workweek to the RMT. This initiative provides train operators an extra day off while aligning London Underground with other train companies’ work patterns, enhancing reliability and flexibility without added costs. Participation in the changes would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours, allowing those preferring a five-day workweek to continue.”
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