London Underground drivers are set to strike for 24-hour periods on eight separate occasions between November and February in a dispute over working arrangements, the RMT union announced. The walkouts are scheduled to begin at noon on November 26, December 17 and 19, January 4 and 6, and February 17, 23, and 25.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that London Underground is attempting to frame proposed changes to working conditions as a "voluntary four-day week." He argued that the proposals are not voluntary, as they would compel drivers to relinquish existing protections regardless of whether they work four or five days, and threaten those who refuse with displacement from their depots.
Dempsey elaborated that the union's members are being asked to drive trains for longer periods, accept more extended and unpredictable shifts, and give up long-negotiated agreements. He asserted that the proposals are not aimed at improving work-life balance but at increasing the workload for fewer drivers while granting management greater flexibility at the expense of the employees.
The RMT union has expressed opposition to the proposals, emphasizing that while they are not against a genuine four-day working week that benefits members, they will not accept it being used as a means for job cuts, intensified work, or the erosion of terms and conditions. The union is calling for London Underground to withdraw the proposals and engage in serious negotiations for a settlement. RMT members, according to Dempsey, are determined to defend their jobs, working conditions, and the safety of the Underground, with the union's full support for their strike action.