By Basant El-Faramawy
London Underground drivers will stage a series of 24-hour strikes starting on November 26 and continuing into the new year, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has announced.
Strike dates announced
The walkouts will begin at noon on November 26, followed by further action on December 17 and 19, January 4 and 6, and February 17, 23 and 25.
Union criticizes new working arrangements
The RMT says new working arrangements are being imposed, including a four-day week that would increase the time drivers spend driving trains, extend duties, and require earlier starts and later finishes.
RMT leader condemns plans
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said London Underground is attempting to dress up a wholesale attack on drivers’ working conditions as a voluntary four-day week. He added that the scheme forces drivers to give up existing protections and threatens those who refuse with displacement from their depots.
