London Underground Drivers Plan Eight-Day Strike Over Four-Day Week Dispute

LONDON, Nov 6 (OPA) — London Underground drivers are set to stage a series of 24-hour strikes across the coming months, threatening severe disruption to the capital's transit network. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union confirmed that walkouts will take place over eight separate days spanning November, December, January, and February.

The industrial action is scheduled to begin at noon on November 26, followed by further stoppages on December 17 and 19, January 4 and 6, and February 17, 23, and 25. The core of the dispute centers on management proposals regarding working conditions and a contested four-day working week initiative.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey criticized the transit authority's plans, stating the proposals force drivers to forfeit long-standing protections. Dempsey argued the scheme threatens staff who refuse to participate with depot displacement while demanding longer and more unpredictable shifts.

The union maintains that management is attempting to use flexibility as a vehicle for job cuts and the erosion of worker terms. London Underground has faced mounting pressure to withdraw the proposals and return to negotiations to avert the widespread travel chaos.

The upcoming transit disruption highlights ongoing labor tensions across the UK capital's transport sector. Commuters across London are advised to monitor transit updates closely as the strike dates approach.