By Basant El-Faramawy
London Underground train drivers belonging to the RMT union have announced eight 24-hour strikes over a 16-day period, including six walkouts in the weeks before Christmas, threatening major travel disruption in the capital.
Strike Dates and Disruption
The first strike begins at noon on 26 November, followed by further action on 17 and 19 December – the last shopping weekend before Christmas – with additional strikes planned for early January and February.
Union Opposition to Four-Day Week
The industrial action opposes Transport for London’s proposal for a voluntary four-day working week, which the RMT says would undermine existing agreements and worsen shift patterns. The rival Aslef union, which represents most Tube drivers, has endorsed the plan.
Previous Strikes and TfL Response
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey accused management of using the four-day week as a cover to extend driving hours and impose less predictable shifts. He said the union has not received guarantees that drivers can remain on current five-day arrangements. Similar strikes in April and June caused widespread disruption, though trains ran on most lines. TfL maintains the proposals are voluntary and have been fully agreed with Aslef.
