More Tube and bus strikes are fast approaching, threatening another challenging week for commuters.
The RMT union has announced two 24-hour walkouts, kicking off at midday on Tuesday, May 19 and again on Thursday, May 21, with the effects spilling across four working days.
During April’s strikes, stations were packed with long queues as frustrated commuters searched for alternative routes home, with many turning to bikes to get around.
E-bike provider Lime reported a 22% jump in trips on April 23 compared with the previous week, while Forest saw evening rush-hour rides soar by more than 50%.
With strike action looming again, all signs point to a repeat of that pattern.
TfL sources say they will have a clearer picture soon, but for now, Londoners might want to start thinking about a backup plan.
Commuters squeeze into busy train carriages during strike action on April 21
Getty
Everything we know about the upcoming Tube and bus strikes
Strikes are planned by some Tube drivers from midday on Tuesday, May 19, to Wednesday, May 20, and again on Thursday, May 21 to Friday, May 22.
Under the proposals, the working week for most drivers would be cut from 36 to 35 hours, but contractual hours would not change due to the introduction of paid meal breaks.
This means, essentially, that drivers would work longer days but fewer days each week and fewer overall hours each week.
RMT instead wants a 32-hour week over four days, meaning drivers would work three fewer hours each week for the same salary.
Drivers belonging to the union Aslef will not be participating in the strike, meaning that most Underground lines will be able to operate on a reduced service.
But disruption is expected across the Underground network.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at the Queen’s park depot picket line during the strike action in April
PA
Only the Elizabeth line, the DLR and London Overground services will be operating as usual.
A spokesperson for Aslef previously said they were “surprised that the RMT has decided to take this action”.
The union has agreed to the voluntary four day working week, saying it gives 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,” Aslef’s spokesperson added.
Further 24-hour strikes are planned for Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18.
London bus controllers strikes
Meanwhile, further strike action by Transport for London bus workers is taking place on Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, in an ongoing dispute about rota changes.
Walkouts by over 150 bus controllers and network traffic controllers will coincide with the strike action taken by London Underground drivers.
Bus controllers and network traffic controllers do safety critical roles for TfL, which include dealing with incidents and accidents, managing bus stations and putting in place bus stop closures and diversions due to traffic or emergencies such as accidents.
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