By Ahmed Abdelsalam
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) announced on Friday.
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 imposed working arrangements
The RMT said new working arrangements are being imposed, including a four-day week. Under the plans, drivers face increased time spent driving trains, longer duties, 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.
Aslef offers contrasting view
Finn Brennan, Aslef's full-time organiser on London Underground, said the union was surprised by the RMT's decision to strike against a voluntary four-day week that gives drivers an extra 35 days off per year. He noted that management have agreed anyone who wants to keep a five-day week can do so without detriment.
