RMT drivers announce eight 24-hour strikes before Christmas

London Underground commuters face major disruptions as the RMT union prepares to halt services eight times in the coming weeks. The industrial action is scheduled to take place over 16 days, with six of the stoppages occurring before the holiday season. The next round of strikes begins at noon on 26 November, directly impacting travelers during the busy pre-Christmas period.

The dispute centers on a proposal from Transport for London (TfL) to implement a four-day working week for train drivers. TfL states the change would allow drivers to choose this schedule voluntarily. However, the RMT argues the plan weakens existing labor agreements and leaves members with worse working conditions. The union claims it has not received guarantees that drivers who opt out can retain their current five-day arrangements without penalty.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey criticized the proposal, describing it as a broad deterioration in conditions disguised as an optional reduction in working days. Dempsey stated that members are being asked to drive for longer, work less predictable shifts, and give up agreements secured over many years. He rejected the notion that the changes were intended to improve work-life balance, arguing instead that management seeks more work from fewer drivers while increasing its own flexibility.

The union also expressed concern over the timing and predictability of shifts under the new system. Despite TfL’s assurances that participation would be voluntary, the RMT believes the proposed framework would make working patterns less certain for its members. The outstanding questions for the union concern both the specific terms of the new arrangements and the protection of existing contractual rights.

This standoff contrasts with the position of Aslef, the union representing most London Underground drivers. Aslef has fully backed the four-day week plans. Similar strikes in April and June caused major disruption across the network, even with Aslef’s endorsement and TfL’s insistence on the voluntary nature of the change. The RMT’s new action schedule includes walkouts starting at noon on 17 December and 19 December, targeting the final shopping weekend before Christmas.

Further industrial action is planned for early January, with additional strikes expected in February. The timeline indicates the dispute over working arrangements will continue through the winter months. Passengers can expect reduced services during the announced 24-hour stoppages, which are spread across the 16-day window leading into the new year.