Tube strikes: Londoners warned to brace for journey disruption as drivers verify walkout | EUROtoday

London Underground drivers are set to stage strikes subsequent week, threatening important journey disruption for commuters and guests throughout the capital.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have confirmed they are going to stroll out for twenty-four hours from noon on Tuesday, 21 April, and once more on Thursday, 23 April.

All strikes run from 12noon to 12noon the next day, however Transport for London (TfL) warns that disruption will proceed into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.

The union has accused TfL of trying to impose a brand new four-day working week.

The RMT common secretary, Eddie Dempsey, expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations.

“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,” he mentioned.

“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.”

In response, TfL has suggested passengers to test companies earlier than travelling, noting that availability will differ throughout strains.

Claire Mann, TfL’s chief working officer, mentioned: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.

“This permits us to supply practice operators a further time off, while on the identical time bringing London Underground in keeping with the working patterns of different practice working corporations, enhancing reliability and adaptability at no extra value.

“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.”

Adding to the potential journey woes, some Stagecoach-operated bus routes in London may even face a separate 24-hour strike from 5am on Friday 24 April.

TfL earlier mentioned it expects there to be some companies on most strains, however with important disruption, and all different normally-operating TfL companies just like the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and trams are prone to be very busy.