London Underground train drivers are gearing up for another strike this week to protest against a proposed shift to a four-day workweek. Transport for London (TfL) is looking to switch from the current 36-hour work schedule spread over five days to a 35-hour week compressed into four days, while eliminating a paid lunch break. Union leaders argue that this change would lead to fatigue and disrupt work schedules, advocating instead for a 32-hour workweek over four days.
In response to the proposal, which TfL asserts would be optional, members of the RMT union will engage in industrial action over two 24-hour periods from May 19 to 22, following similar strikes in April. Last month, both commuters and tourists faced significant travel disruptions, with some lines coming to a standstill. TfL is advising passengers to consider alternative routes and plan their journeys in advance before the upcoming strike action.
The tube drivers are planning two 24-hour walkouts starting at 12 pm on Tuesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 21, as well as on Wednesday, May 20, and Friday, May 22. While strikes have been averted in the past due to last-minute breakthroughs in discussions, the current strikes are scheduled to proceed as planned.
Like the April strikes, a significant portion of the Tube network is expected to be impacted by the upcoming industrial action. TfL has cautioned that two lines could experience more severe disruptions due to increased RMT driver involvement on those routes. Service interruptions are anticipated on sections of the Metropolitan Line (between Baker Street and Aldgate) and Central Line (between White City and Liverpool Street), according to reports.
TfL has also indicated that although service is anticipated on the remaining Underground lines, disruptions are likely, and service levels will vary throughout the week. Despite the inconvenience for commuters and visitors, some services will continue to operate if the strike is not called off.
During the strike, the Elizabeth Line, DLR, buses, London Trams, and London Overground will maintain their regular operations. These services are expected to be busier than usual as they accommodate Tube passengers seeking alternative travel routes, as reported by MyLondon.
After the strikes held in April, additional rounds of strikes are planned in the ongoing dispute over working hours. Besides the strikes scheduled for the upcoming week, further disruptions are anticipated on selected days in June.
