Transport for London is warning that Underground services are likely to be badly disrupted next week, as the RMT stages another two 24-hour strikes of drivers in the continuing dispute over a proposed four-day week.
The union says the proposals are opposed by its members, while TfL says the plan is strictly voluntary.
TfL is predicting that the two walkouts, running from midday to midday between 19-20 and 21-22 May, will cause disruption on all Underground lines, although services are mainly expected to continue, while other routes such as the Elizabeth line and Docklands Light Railway, will be busier than usual.
TfL said: ‘Many of the objections that the RMT has raised would be resolved with further, more detailed work with TfL and the other trade unions. Despite this, the RMT is instead carrying out another round of disruptive industrial action. It is not too late for the RMT to withdraw the action, but if it goes ahead, service is still expected to operate on most Tube lines.’
Service levels will vary throughout the week and all lines are likely to be disrupted to some extent. No services are expected on the Circle line, Piccadilly line, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, or the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
TfL’s chief operating officer Claire Mann 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. We have also said many times in discussions that we believe the majority of the issues that have been raised would be resolved with more detailed work.
‘A significant number of drivers have indicated that they want us to progress plans for the pilot of this new working pattern on the Bakerloo line, and it would deliver benefits both for our colleagues and our customers. We urge the RMT to work with us so we can resolve this dispute. In the meantime, we are asking customers to check before they travel and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.’
The RMT has not commented recently, but on 18 April RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey had said: ‘We have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process.
‘But despite our best efforts, TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions in a bid to avert strike action. This is extremely disappointing and has baffled our negotiators.
‘The approach of TfL is not one which leads to industrial peace and will infuriate our members who want to see a negotiated settlement to this avoidable dispute.’
Unless a settlement is reached in the meantime, the RMT is planning further walkouts in June.
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