The Tube strikes are not about pay. The dispute is about working conditions — and, in the words of the RMT union, a plan for a voluntary four-day week that it says would make drivers’ jobs worse.
Eight 24-hour walkouts are planned between November and February, starting on 26 November, and they could cause major disruption in the run-up to Christmas. But the row is not over money. It centres on London Underground’s proposals for a new Trains Modernisation Framework, which includes the introduction of a voluntary four-day working week.
While shorter weeks might sound appealing, the RMT argues that the changes would actually worsen conditions for drivers. The union claims the proposals would result in longer shifts, earlier starts, later finishes, and changes to rosters at short notice. It also warns that drivers could be moved from their current depots and placed into a flexible pool.
The RMT has suggested the proposals could eventually lead to job losses, highlighting initial staffing plans for the Bakerloo line as a potential example.
What the union says
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT, said: “London Underground is attempting to dress up a wholesale attack on drivers’ working conditions as a voluntary four-day week.”
He added: “But there is nothing voluntary about a scheme that forces drivers to give up existing protections whether they work four days or five, and threatens those who refuse with displacement from their depots.”
Mr Dempsey said the union was not opposed to a genuine four-day week but would resist any changes it believes would undermine jobs or conditions. He said London Underground should withdraw the current proposals and return to the negotiating table.
What TfL says
Transport for London has defended its proposals and disputed the union’s characterisation of the plans. Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “As a result of that engagement, drivers can now choose to remain on a five-day week with a guarantee of remaining at the same depot.”
That directly contrasts with the RMT’s claims that drivers could be displaced if they do not accept the new framework. TfL maintains that the four-day week option is voluntary.
When the strikes are planned
The RMT has announced eight 24-hour strikes, each starting at 12pm and ending at 12pm the following day: 26–27 November, 17–18 December, 19–20 December, 4–5 January, 6–7 January, 17–18 February, 23–24 February and 25–26 February.
The December strikes are likely to affect people travelling home for Christmas, while the January walkouts fall during the first working week of the new year.
The industrial action involves RMT members who work as train drivers on the London Underground. That means the entire Tube network could be affected, including the Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and Waterloo & City lines. However, not all lines are guaranteed to close during the strikes.
Services like the Elizabeth line, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are not directly involved in the dispute but could see increased demand as commuters seek alternative routes. Aslef, the other train drivers’ union, has not announced any action.
Could the strikes be called off?
The strikes could be cancelled or suspended if the RMT and London Underground reach an agreement before the planned dates. The union is seeking assurances that drivers who choose to remain on their current working patterns will not be disadvantaged under the new framework.
Until a resolution is reached, passengers are being advised to prepare for disruption and to check the TfL website for up-to-date service information. The RMT has said it remains open to further discussions if London Underground is willing to reconsider its current proposals.
The eight strike dates were announced earlier this week, with the first walkout starting at midday on Thursday 26 November.
