Commuters in London are set to get hit with strikes on the Tube this week after unions announced drivers have agreed to a walkout, but four lines will remain in service. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union confirmed on Monday that its members will strike for 24 hours from 12 pmon Tuesday and Thursday.
The industrial action will affect the whole Tube network, and a reduced service will run across most lines, but significant disruption is expected. Transport for London (TfL) said any services that do run will be less frequent, very busy, and you may not be able to board the first train.
No service is expected on the Piccadilly, Circle lines, Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
However, services will run on some lines in the capital, potentially bringing relief to office workers and tourists alike.
According to TfL, the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will be running normally on strike days
The vast majority of buses will also be running normally throughout the strikes, but 7 bus routes operated by Stagecoach will be affected by separate strike action between 5amon Friday, April 24 and 5am on Saturday, April 25. Other buses will run as usual
The action on the London Underground network will spark travel disruption for commuters and visitors to the capital, just as many people return to the office following the Easter half-term breaks and holidays. The RMT has gone ahead with strike action after accusing TfL of imposing a new four-day working week.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey 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."
TfL said services will vary across lines and urged passengers to check before they travel.
Some bus routes in the capital operated by Stagecoach will be affected by a separate 24-hour strike from 5am on Friday.
Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, said: "We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.
"This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
"The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so."
Strikes are planned by some Tube drivers on these dates:
April
Tuesday 21 to Wednesday April 22
Thursday 23 to Friday April 24
May
Tuesday 19 to Wednesday May 20
Thursday 21 to Friday May 22
June
Tuesday 16 June to Wednesday June 17
Thursday 18 June to Friday June 19
All strikes run from 12:00 midday to 12:00 midday the following day, but disruption will continue into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.
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