The capital is set to be hit by more industrial action, with two more days of walkouts impacting commuters.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at the Queen’s park depot picket line during the strike action in April
PA
RMT members previously walked out in April over a dispute with TfL over a voluntary four-day week for drivers, impacting the entire London Underground network.
Two further planned strikes in May were called off, but the RMT has warned of more strike action if the union fails to make sufficient progress in talks with TfL, with talks due to take place this week.
When are the strikes scheduled?
The 24-hour walkouts are currently due to take place between midnight and 11.59pm on Tuesday June 2 and Thursday June 4.
As such, there will be severe disruption to the entire network all day on Tuesday and Thursday, with some disruption on the mornings on Wednesday June 3 and Friday June 5 while services return to normal.
The previous industrial action in April ran from midday to midday on two separate days.
Which services will be affected?
If the strikes have a similar impact as in April, there will be severe disruption across all major tube lines.
There will be a reduced service running across most lines, with some lines being particularly badly hit.
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Buses and National Rail services will offer alternative routes across the city, while e-bike hire rates rose significantly during the previous walkouts.
The Elizabeth line, Overground and DLR should also still be running with a good service, though they will likely be much busier than usual.
Why are the strikes happening?
The RMT are striking following the proposed introduction of a compressed four-day working week for tube drivers.
The union says that the move raises concerns about shift lengths, working time arrangements and the “potential impact on fatigue and safety.”
Tube trains at Upminster rail depot
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TfL has stressed that no driver would be forced to accept the four-day week, as it was voluntary, and it aimed to improve their work-life balance, while improving the reliability of services.
The Aslef union has already accepted the deal, highlighting to its members benefits such as an extra 35 days away from work a year, average weekly rostered hours being cut to 34 from current average of 36, more time at home and less time travelling to and from work.
Commenting on the May strike being called off, an RMT spokesperson said: “At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position, allowing us to further explore our members’ concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues.
“The dispute is not over, and more strike action will follow if we fail to make sufficient progress.”
A Transport for London source said: “We are having regular meetings with the RMT to try to resolve the dispute.”
Finn Brennan, Aslef district organiser for the Tube, said: “The introduction of the four-day week will be the biggest improvement in working conditions for Underground train drivers in decades.
“It means you will have working conditions that are as good as, or better than, those on any mainline train company.”
What other strikes are scheduled for June?
There is currently no further industrial action scheduled in London this June.
