London Underground staff are planning to go on strike for four consecutive days later this month, continuing their ongoing dispute over pay, better pensions, and improved working conditions. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced the walkouts last week, with hundreds of jobs at risk in Tube stations and maintenance. Tube drivers represented by the Aslef union will also join the strike, having their separate dispute over pensions and working conditions. The strikes are scheduled for July 23, 25, 26, 27, and 28. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming strike and its impact on passengers:
When will the strike action take place?
According to the RMT, London Underground workers will walk out on the following days: Sunday, July 23; Tuesday, July 25; Wednesday, July 26; Thursday, July 27; and Friday, July 28. There will be no strike on Monday, July 24.
Which lines will be affected?
While more than 10,000 workers are eligible to strike, the strikes will impact different sections of the Tube network and grades of workers on different days. It is currently uncertain which lines will be affected on specific days.
What have union bosses said?
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has emphasized that this strike action is intended to “shut down the tube” and demonstrate the significance of these workers. He has criticized plans by Transport for London (TfL) to cut 600 jobs and harm members’ pensions. Lynch believes that London Mayor Sadiq Khan should align himself with the union and the Underground staff in opposing the Tory Government’s detrimental agenda.
Aslef’s full-time organizer on London Underground, Finn Brennan, has stated that the union has joined the Tube strikes due to changes that would make it difficult for drivers to organize their lives outside work. Brennan highlights London Underground management’s intent to push through detrimental changes despite trade union opposition, such as implementing a new attendance procedure and forcing through plans for “trains modernisation.”
How has Transport for London responded?
Glynn Barton, the chief operating officer of TfL, expressed disappointment at the RMT’s decision to announce strike action. TfL is urging the union to reconsider and engage in discussions to seek a resolution. TfL clarified that there are currently no proposals to change pension arrangements, though the agency is exploring various proposals to protect employees’ jobs and avoid asking them to work additional hours.
In addition to this London Underground strike, the RMT has stated that 20,000 rail workers across the UK will also participate in strikes during July.
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