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Hopes grow that London Underground strikes could be called off
TL;DR
Hopes are rising that next week's London Underground strikes may be avoided as the RMT union has initiated talks. The strikes are set to disrupt services for two days, affecting many passengers in the capital.
Key points
- RMT union represents almost half of London’s Tube drivers
- Strikes planned for two 24-hour periods next week
- Dispute centers on a proposed four-day work week
- TfL warns of significant travel disruption
- Union has initiated talks to potentially avert strikes
Mentioned in this story
RMTTransport for LondonLondon
Hopes have been raised that next week’s strikes by London Underground drivers could yet be averted, after sources said the RMT union had put out feelers for talks.
The RMT members, almost half of London’s Tube drivers, are due to strike for two 24-hour periods from midday on Tuesday and Thursday, closing some lines entirely and bringing widespread travel disruption to the capital until the weekend.
The action follows a similar wave of strikes in April, with more planned for June in the dispute over a planned four-day week working pattern.
No talks have yet taken place and with neither Transport for London (TfL) nor the union apparently willing to alter course, further strikes had appeared inevitable. TfL has warned passengers that many services will not operate next week.
However, a source close to the dispute said that union representatives had now reached out to seek a deal, giving TfL a “window of opportunity” to prevent further strikes.
They said that tube drivers were prepared for a long strike campaign of disruption, adding: “It is clear TfL needs to move from its uncompromising position and make some new proposals that do not impose new working conditions that tube drivers will not accept. An opportunity exists for the employer to do the right thing by Londoners and make a reasonable offer to the union.”
With the strike still expected to take place, TfL has urged customers to plan ahead expect significant disruption, with early closures of services on Tuesday and Thursday and late starts on Wednesday and Friday.
No trains at all will run on the Circle line, Piccadilly line, and in Zone 1 on the Metropolitan line and the Central line.
However, TfL stressed that Londoners and visitors would still be able to travel around the city, with other rail lines and transport modes running, and even some Tube trains during the two 24-hour strike periods.
The Elizabeth line, London Overground and DLR will run as normal, as well as buses, although increased demand and traffic is likely to slow some services.
Q&A
What are the dates for the upcoming London Underground strikes?
The London Underground strikes are scheduled for two 24-hour periods starting from midday on Tuesday and Thursday next week.
Why are London Underground drivers planning to strike?
The strikes are part of a dispute over a planned four-day work week, which has led to ongoing tensions between the RMT union and Transport for London.
What impact will the strikes have on London transport services?
The strikes are expected to cause widespread travel disruption, with some Tube lines closing entirely and many services not operating.
Is there a chance the London Underground strikes will be called off?
Yes, there is a possibility the strikes could be averted as the RMT union has reached out for talks, providing a potential opportunity for a deal.
