Transport for London is warning that Underground services will start to be reduced from mid-morning, as RMT drivers prepare to walk out for 24 hours from midday.

A second 24-hour stoppage is planned from midday on Thursday, and more have been called in May and June.

The dispute is about proposals to offer a four-day working week to Underground drivers, who would work longer over the four days but have three days off a week.

The two sides have been contradicting each other about the details of their disagreement.

The RMT said ‘the approach of TfL is not one which leads to industrial peace and will infuriate our members, who want to see a negotiated settlement to this avoidable dispute’, but TfL has insisted that ‘the changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so’.

TfL said the strikes would affect the whole Underground network, with no trains expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines. Metropolitan line trains will terminate at Baker Street, with no services between there and Aldgate, and trains are also unlikely on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.  A reduced service will run elsewhere but ‘significant disruption’ is expected. Services that do run are likely to be very busy.

The strikes only concern Underground staff and other rail services, including the Elizabeth line, will be running normally.

About half of the Underground’s drivers are members of the RMT. The rest are mainly members of ASLEF, and they will be working as usual.

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