London Underground drivers represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will stage a series of 24-hour strikes beginning on 26 November in opposition to proposed changes to their working arrangements, according to BBC News.
The union has announced multiple walkouts across the coming months as part of its dispute with Transport for London over plans to introduce a voluntary four-day working week. The strikes represent the latest in a pattern of industrial action by transport workers across the UK, following previous RMT action by Underground drivers in April over working hours and safety concerns, which caused significant disruption on several Tube lines.
Why are drivers opposing the four-day week?
The RMT has framed the proposed voluntary four-day working week as a threat to existing working arrangements and conditions for its members. The union's decision to stage strikes indicates it views the plans as unacceptable despite their voluntary nature, suggesting concerns about how the scheme might be implemented or what it could mean for future negotiations over working patterns.
What happens next?
The first strike is scheduled to begin on 26 November, with additional walkouts planned in subsequent months. The RMT has not yet announced the full schedule of strike dates, though the union indicated that further action will follow the initial November walkout. Commuters and Transport for London should expect significant disruption to Underground services on strike days.
