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The Guardian World1 min read
Tube strike set to go ahead after failed talks
TL;DR
London Underground drivers are set to strike after failed negotiations over a proposed four-day workweek. The strikes will start at 12:00 BST on Tuesday, affecting multiple lines, with a second walkout planned for Thursday.
Key points
- London Underground drivers are striking over a four-day workweek proposal
- RMT union claims TfL did not engage in negotiations
- Strikes will disrupt service on multiple lines
- First strike starts at 12:00 BST on Tuesday
- Second walkout planned for Thursday
Another wave of industrial action is due to take place as London Underground drivers walk out in a dispute over the voluntary introduction of a four-day week with condensed hours.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) voted to oppose the changes. The union says Transport for London "has not made any attempt to engage in negotiation meetings to resolve this dispute".
TfL described the strikes, which start at 12:00 BST on Tuesday, as "disappointing" and said drivers "can remain on a five-day working pattern".
No service is expected on the Circle and Piccadilly lines or the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
A second 24-hour walkout will begin at 12:00 on Thursday, causing disruption into Friday.
Many Tube drivers are set to turn up to work as usual, including members of the Aslef train drivers' trade union - which has accepted the proposals, labelling them "exactly the sort of deal every trade union should be trying to achieve".
An RMT spokesperson said: "Despite promises of talks, TfL has not made any attempt to engage in negotiation meetings to resolve this dispute.
"London Underground is still pushing implementation plans through a forum that excludes senior managers and union officials, instead of engaging in proper negotiations.
"Our strike action remains on as we continue to seek a negotiated settlement."
Aslef has agreed to the voluntary compressed four-day week, saying it gives participating drivers an extra 35 days off a year "in return for some fairly minor changes to working conditions".
"It will be the first strike in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people having a shorter working week and more time off," an Aslef spokesperson said.
Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, said: "It is disappointing that the RMT is planning this strike action despite our best efforts to resolve this dispute.
"We have been clear that our proposals for a four-day week are designed to improve work-life balance and are entirely voluntary.
"Any Tube driver who doesn't wish to opt in to the new four-day working pattern and associated changes to working arrangements can remain on a five-day working pattern."
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Q&A
What are the reasons behind the London Underground strike?
The strike is due to a dispute over the voluntary introduction of a four-day workweek with condensed hours, which the RMT union opposes.
Which London Underground lines will be affected by the strike?
The Circle, Piccadilly, Metropolitan (between Baker Street and Aldgate), and Central lines (between White City and Liverpool Street) will not have service during the strikes.
When will the London Underground strikes take place?
The first strike will begin at 12:00 BST on Tuesday, followed by a second 24-hour walkout starting at the same time on Thursday.
